Delegation is a vital management skill but the hardest to put into practice. Why would managers not delegate? One reason is that they believe it will take longer to explain things to the team than actually doing it themselves. They may be the keeper of specific knowledge or experience needed to fulfil the task? Some may feel guilty about adding extra work on the team? At times, a micro-management style?
Whatever the reason, it’s necessary to prioritise, delegate for a good work-life balance & team development. A manager’s role is to inspire, to lead, to get stuff done through the teams. CEOs who excel in delegating generate 33% higher revenues, increased productivity & team satisfaction.
Of course, all tasks can’t be delegated like performance reviews or hiring talent. Knowing our team’s strengths, skills & abilities enables better assignment of goals. Some activities may not require much oversight or worth checking. Gives leaders the time to focus on purpose, strategy & plans. Types of work we can delegate is factored into the team development plans. Then, teams feel motivated to engage with new challenges, to pursue their passion & growth.
Tasks we delegate are clearly tied into the organisational vision. Outcomes are measurable. If a team needs specific training, resources, authority to complete delegated tasks, it’s worth investing in new skill-sets, mentoring or knowledge sharing. A structured communication channel ensures that the team feels comfortable in asking questions, gets the required support to resolve challenges & feels stimulated to create innovative opportunities. Regular check-ins & constructive feedback helps.
Allowing room for failure is critical. Enables experimentation & empowers the team to try fresh approaches, ideas or insights. Leaders can overtly recognise, appreciate people who demonstrate brilliance & resilience. Delegating isn’t easy. A special skill practiced & honed over time. But, the better we become at aligning people with specific responsibilities, the more effective we become as leaders. Belief in the team & teamwork is key.