On the subject of effective delegating, General George S. Patton said:
‘Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do
and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.’
To build a business or to lead a bigger business (not just manage it) leaders must delegate. Lack of delegating effectively can be like shooting yourself in the foot. I know it can feel like you are losing control – which is a struggle for business owners and managers at all levels because their identity is so wrapped up in the business itself.
To keep it simple, just follow these four keys to delegate successfully and effectively:
Give the job to someone who can get it done.
You can give it to someone who has or can get the knowledge, tools, skills, resources to get the job done. This can include teaching them so they do things your way step by step. It is important that the job be doable for that person and not just dumping on the first warm body who walks by.
Communicate your definition of satisfaction.
Have a clear picture of what result you want and communicate that clearly. Identify resources, criteria, parameters, deadlines, format etc. to be used or applied. Be specific enough so that you can let good enough really be good enough when it is completed.
Make a Plan
This is not the same as micro-managing tasks. If it is simple, the plan may simply be assigning it to the right person. If the task is bigger, it may require a breakdown of steps. If your VA (virtual assistant) or staff can make the list as step 1 and can flag the steps where your assistance, direction, or more help is needed, you will have the opportunity to confirm the task is done to your satisfaction and resolve bottlenecks even before they arise.
Establish a system for Feedback
Delegating is not just assigning a task up front, rather it requires a conscious system for feedback, updates, advice, progress reports. This may be in the form of an email or phone call when each step is completed, or just the result delivered on time. For bigger tasks/projects you may want regular updates as they unfold so you can make interim decisions without holding up the project.
Remember, delegating is not abdicating. In delegating, you are still responsible and accountable for the results – they reflect on you, and your business; and will impact your goals, profits, and time available for other tasks.
