Delegating effectively for leaders

Delegating is getting things off your plate (and onto someone else’s) so that you can better address the items that you are best suited to address. It’s also, and more importantly at times, entrusting someone else to take on responsibilities, as a growth opportunity. Delegation instills confidence, knowledge, experience, significance, and trust in others. Be mindful though that when delegating you need to set the other person up for success. Consider if the item is appropriate for and/or can enhance their role and skill set, while considering their current workload, schedule, and other time commitments. We don’t want to delegate in order to lighten our load in turn to only weight down and overburden someone else.

Effective Delegation:

1. Give Clear Instructions / Expectations :

• Description of what the activity is, the reason, and importance

• When the task needs to be completed

• What the end result should be

• Any standards, regulations, etc. that need to be followed

• Any resources or support available

2. Grant Authority:

• Ensure the person has the proper authority, access, permissions, autonomy to get the job done effectively

• Set the boundaries/framework of their authority as needed by determining and discussing if you want the person to approach and report on the progress.

3. Maintain Communication:

• Have ongoing periodic status check-ins to discuss progress made, plans going forward, challenges or questions, resource needs, alternatives, simple updates for awareness or approvals, best practices, etc.

4. Give Constructive Feedback

• Focus on the situation, actions, results, standards, expectations

• Discuss what was difficult, what could be improved, what went well

• Offer support and guidance when and where needed

5. Reward Success

• Recognize their efforts and accomplishments with appreciation, public praise, an email, personal note, incentive award, new position/responsibilities, etc.