Most internet searches for “delegation” result in articles designated for managers and employers. While this skill, of course, has its benefits in a business context, delegation is a useful tool for freeing up time in any area of life. Today, we’ll look at delegation in a general context so you can effectively use it at work, home, hobby clubs, spiritual organizations, and anywhere else you may find it useful.
Benefits of Delegation
It can be hard for some people to let go and accept help for numerous reasons. However, you’ll find that delegation of tasks has benefits that far outweigh the undesired feelings that may come at first. Some of these benefits include:
- Saving time
- Building your own and others’ skillsets
- Preparing others to handle tasks independently in the future
- Increasing motivation
- Improving relationships
Tips for Successful Delegation
Successful delegation requires finesse and good communication. To delegate tasks properly, consider the following tips:
- Communicate your overall goals clearly.
- Allow for team member feedback.
- Play on individual strengths.
- Establish a clear channel for subsequent communication.
- Be patient and accept that mistakes will be made.
- Monitor progress and make changes as needed.
Communicating Effectively
Delegation can come across as authoritarian or laziness if not used properly. The first thing to keep in mind is your tone of voice and the words you use. Present the reason for delegation in a neutral tone and explain it in terms of how it provides mutual benefits to everyone. For example, instead of saying “We all live here. We’re each going to do our fair share.,” say “We can all be happier if everyone pitches in on chores.”
Second, clarity in delegation is essential. If you don’t clearly define the tasks, there is a good chance that things will be missed or completed improperly, causing even more work in the end. For example, instead of just saying “You’re in charge of the equipment.,” you should make a list of what equipment is needed and instructions for how to prepare it.
Using Strengths
Determining each other’s strengths requires input from at least two people; the individual and the person delegating the task. It’s always important to ask a person about their strengths. They may have skills and training you were unaware of. In addition, you’ll also want to take your own observations into account. Based on what you come up with together, you can mutually determine which task would be best suited for their skills and needs.
Utilizing Feedback and Shortcomings
When you first delegate tasks, it’s important to listen to the concerns of the people you’re delegating to. Remember that just because something doesn’t seem important to you, it doesn’t mean it’s not important to someone else. Take this opportunity to address fears, offer advice, and work together on a game plan for success.
You should also determine a process for monitoring progress. For instance, you could schedule routine meetings to discuss what’s working and what isn’t. Create an atmosphere that encourages open communication and supports one another through the learning curves. In some cases, you could also use certain outcomes to monitor progress, such as sales, time spent, etc.
When to Use Delegation
Delegation isn’t necessary in every task. If the task is simple and there’s no harm in completing it yourself, then there’s no need to force delegation just for the sake of doing it. However, there are some factors to consider when deciding if you should delegate a task, including:
- Personal stress caused by taking on the task yourself
- Preparing others to take your place
- Opportunity for skill development
- Equality in time and effort
- Current abilities of yourself and others
- Benefits to others
References
https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/how-to-delegate-effectively
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-communicate-clear-specific-instructions
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