Mar 21 2008
Delegate Downwards, Delegate Upwards, Delegate Sideways - Just Delegate More!
In these days of having to achieve more with fewer resources, it’s easy to neglect the skill of delegation.
Why delegate?
• To give you more time to do important activities.
• To develop and motivate staff.
• Because others may be more skilled than you.
What stops you?
• Unable or unwilling to let go.
• Don’t want to; like to give the impression of being overworked.
• Fear others will make mistakes and show you up.
• Enjoy doing the job; love to get your hands ‘dirty’.
• It takes time; it’s often easier to do it yourself.
Should You Delegate More?: The Acid Test
Do you work longer hours than those around you?
Do you spend some of your working time doing things for others that they could do for themselves?
Do you have unfinished jobs accumulating or difficulty meeting deadlines?
Do you spend more time working on details than on planning and supervising?
Do you work at details because you enjoy them, when someone else could do them just as well?
Do you lack confidence in others’ abilities so that you are afraid to let them take on more responsibility?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you may want to take note of the following advice.
What To Delegate:
Yes:
• Routine tasks and the associated decision-making
• Complete jobs to give a sense of achievement
• Tasks that others could do better and possibly less expensively
No:
• Ultimate responsibility for the task
• Tasks without guidance
• Unpleasant tasks which are really your responsibility
Do Remember:
Delegation means giving people the freedom and authority to handle jobs on their own initiative together with the confidence to succeed
How To Delegate:
• Make a list of what could be delegated.
• Select people who are capable, willing and interested.
• Explain reasons why and the results expected.
• Let go of authority but maintain responsibility.
• Let staff establish their priorities; you fix deadlines.
• Follow up on the task.
• Be available for help when needed but don’t spy.
• Be prepared to invest time early on explaining /coaching; it will pay off in the end.
• Demand finished work; don’t accept problems but do accept suggestions for. solution
• Always give credit for good work.
Remember – intelligent people learn from their mistakes.
Do You Procrastinate?
• Are you in the habit of putting jobs off?
• These could be:
• The boring or routine tasks that no longer challenge you
• The difficult phone call or decision that needs to be made
• A new job or project where you’re unsure where to start
• Facing up to the individual who is making life difficult for you
You know these jobs have to be done. Whilst recognising that it sometimes pays to delay and weigh up the options, it’s amazing how much time, energy and creative thought goes into putting jobs off.
TIP: Ask yourself what you are avoiding doing at the moment.
Procrastination – What To Do:
• Do something (anything) to make a start; associate the pleasure you would gain from doing the job
• If it’s a big job or project do a little each day
• If it involves some form of creativity, do it when you are at the most energetic
• If it is a boring job, do it when you are at you least energetic
• Reward yourself at the end
• Get out of the habit of putting things off; problems are easier to handle when they’re small
TIP: Study your ‘To Do’ list and tackle the worst thing on it – you’ll
feel so much better afterwards!
Today’s News: Earlier in the week, I did promise you a great interview with Anita Sirianni on prospecting, over at Salesopedia - you can catch it here
Tomorrow: Well, in many parts of the world it is Easter, so wherever you are, have a great w/e and I will be back here for you on Monday - JF
