October 2004

Delegation: Loosening Your Grip!

Delegating tasks to employees can be difficult for managers. Statements like, "I have a lot on my plate" or "I need to lighten my load" are often spoken to reference heavy workloads, but some managers continue to have the "I can do it all" attitude. This can result in a downhill battle. Many are reluctant to delegate because:

• "They are afraid they will give away their power if they empower their people"


• "Since I have ultimate accountability, if I do it I know it will be right"
• "It's easier to do it myself"
  

Give employees the tools to grow professionally. Delegation gives employees an opportunity to sharpen and develop their skills and abilities to become even more valuable members of your team. Challenge yourself to loosen your grip!

Here are some simple tips for delegation:

• Match a person's abilities to the task or project.
• Check out employee's interest level; concerns.
• Clearly define what outcome is expected.
• Communicate deadline, and explain reasons for this deadline.
• Clearly define level of authority.
• Provide time, resources and relevant information.
• Agree on procedures for measuring progress.
• Keep delegation diary (written record of projects delegated).
• When employees hit roadblocks, encourage them to suggest alternatives.
• Never take back a delegated item because you can do it better or faster. Rather, help the person learn to do it better.
• The goal of delegation is to encourage employees to take initiative and assume greater responsibility.
• Express appreciation. Celebrate successes!