Mastering Delegation: 9 Tips for Managers
Delegation is a crucial skill for managers, but it can be challenging to put into practice. Here are some reasons why managers might avoid delegating tasks:
They think it would take longer to explain the task than to do it themselves.
They want to feel indispensable by keeping specific knowledge to themselves.
They enjoy certain projects and prefer not to give them away.
They feel guilty about giving more work to their team.
They lack confidence in their team members' abilities.
They believe they are the only ones who can do the job right.
Despite these reasons, mastering delegation is essential because refusing to delegate can lead to negative consequences. It can overload your schedule, prioritize the wrong tasks, and prevent your employees from learning and growing.
What Is Delegation and Why Is It Important?
Delegation is when a manager assigns specific tasks to their employees, freeing up time for higher-value activities and keeping employees engaged.
According to a Gallup study, CEOs who excel in delegating generate 33 percent higher revenue. By empowering their team to tackle tasks they're confident in, CEOs boost morale and increase productivity while focusing on activities that grow the company.
Here are nine tips for managers to delegate effectively and cultivate high-performing teams.
9 Delegation Tips for Managers
1. Know What to Delegate
Identify tasks that can be delegated, such as day-to-day activities that don't require your oversight. Focus on assigning projects to employees who can benefit from the experience and who have the skills needed to succeed.
2. Play to Your Employees’ Strengths and Goals
Assign tasks that align with your employees' goals and strengths. This will motivate them and benefit the entire business.
3. Define the Desired Outcome
Provide clear objectives, timelines, and metrics for success to ensure everyone understands what needs to be achieved.
4. Provide the Right Resources and Level of Authority
Equip your employees with the training, resources, and authority they need to complete the task successfully. Avoid micromanaging and focus on the end goal.
5. Establish a Clear Communication Channel
Set up regular check-ins and encourage open communication so employees feel comfortable asking questions and providing updates.
6. Allow for Failure
Encourage experimentation and new approaches by allowing for failure. This empowers employees to take ownership of their work and learn from mistakes.
7. Be Patient
Be patient with your employees as they learn and grow. Recognize that tasks may take longer initially but will become more efficient over time.
8. Deliver (and Ask For) Feedback
Provide constructive feedback after tasks are completed and ask for feedback from your team to improve your delegation skills.
9. Give Credit Where It’s Due
Acknowledge and thank employees for their contributions. Recognizing their success will motivate them to continue performing well in the future.
By mastering delegation, managers can build high-performing teams and drive success for their organization.