Delegation is one of the most effective yet hard to practice management style there is. Possibly because it’s very much related to the manager him/herself.
If you are a manager or someone in charge of a team, make sure you know this about delegation:
You are not the only person who can do it right
Many times delegation fails because the person who is supposed to delegate think he/she is the only person who knows how to do things right. A lot of this have to do with ego. Let go of your ego, sure, you have the most experience and knowledge but it’s responsibility to pass on that wisdom to someone else. After all, you need to delegate because you have other important things to do as a manager.
Delegation increases work efficiency as well as effectiveness
Don't feel ashamed or incompetent because you need help with something - you're actually being a more effective worker by getting help when you need it. Get the help you need - don't wait for it to come to you, because it might not.
Delegating tasks or entire jobs can significantly increase work effectiveness and efficiency. The person you delegate to, with your support and training at first of course, can do it faster and better than you. There’s nothing to be ashamed of here. This can happen because you obviously have a lot to do, delegating tasks can give them the attention they require.
Delegation is not a replacement
I’ve met some professionals who take delegation personally, fearing that their job will be stolen from them if they delegate some parts of it. The truth can’t be farther from that. When you delegate a task, it’s because you’re busy doing other things or getting prepared to take on more responsibilities only you can handle. Don’t be afraid of being replaced by the person you delegate to. If the company wants to replace you, you will know about that in other ways.
Build trust and commitment
Delegation requires trust between you and those you delegate to as well as commitment from both sides. You need to decide whether you have time to train and supervise your employees at least in the beginning. They have to decide whether they can commit to doing the new tasks.
Do they have enough time and resources? Do they possess the necessary skills?
You should push for getting the help you need when you need it as most of people assume you are doing fine if you don’t officially demand help.
Delegation can save you time and effort that can be put to better use.
By Shaden Abdulrahman
