The task of delegation is critical to enhanced work-life balance and is consistently one of the biggest challenges people have in the workplace and at home. Most people are aware of the importance of effective delegation, but nonetheless they do not use delegation when it would serve them.Delegation is an integral part of managing your day efficiently. The problem people often have with delegation is related to false messages that they often tell themselves about the delegation process. Some of these messages include the following:
“How can I ask someone else to do something if it’s my job? I don’t want to impose.”
“If I ask someone else to do something, then it will show that I’m not capable.”
“If someone else can do what I’m supposed to do, it means I might be replaceable.”
“I should be able to do it all.”
If delegation is a challenge for you, you most likely have misconceptions about the intention, process, and/or benefits of this important process. Take a few minutes now to determine what might be getting in the way of more effective delegation for you.
When you are ready, consider a new approach to delegation. Delegation is…
required if you want to be at your most effective and efficient
required if you want to develop other leaders within your organization
desired by your direct reports so they can have opportunities for growth and skill enhancement
expected of you so you are focusing on your highest value-producing contributions.
So, how do you go about actually delegating responsibilities to others? Once you get comfortable that delegation is a win-win situation for everyone involved, the act becomes much easier. It can be as simple as these few words.
“Olivia, I have a project that I need assistance on. Can you please do x, y, and z and get it back to me by tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.?”
“Adam, since you’re an expert on _______, can you please write me three paragraphs about that process and send me a draft on Friday?
“Melissa, can you do a, b, and c for me before the end of the week and let me know when it’s completed. This will give you a chance to contribute significantly to the Horton Project. Thank you.”
Thus, there are only a few things you need to keep in mind when using delegation:
find the best person for the job
ask directly and concisely for what you need
be specific about time requirements and deadlines
be respectful and appreciative.
To get more comfortable with the process of delegation, create a Delegation Action Plan. Before you actually attempt to use delegation, complete the following steps: (a) define the task you want to delegate and (b) identify the person to whom you want to delegate the task. You will also want to consider: What does successful completion of this task look like? Be as specific as possible when answering that question. Also, when do you need the project completed and returned to you?
Once you have defined specific needs and requirements for this delegation, spend a few minutes imagining yourself speaking with the person to whom you plan to delegate this work. Write down a possible script for you to use when asking for delegation assistance. Be sure to be direct, concise, respectful, and appreciative.
Here are a few final things to consider regarding delegation.
- What can get in the way of you actually delegating the given task?
- How can you overcome this possible roadblock to delegation?
- What will be the benefit of actually using delegation? (Consider the benefits to you, to the person with whom you are delegating, and to the organization.)
Lastly, make a commitment to using delegation by completing the following statement:
I will ask _________________ to do _________________ for me and complete and return it to me by ___________________.
You have now defined one act of delegation. It is likely that there are many more opportunities for you to benefit from this process.
As you delegate more frequently, the process will become easier and more natural. You will also see your productivity increase and your hesitation with delegation diminish.
Author: Julie Cohen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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