If you’ve been in management for some time, you’ve likely learned you can’t do everything yourself-even though you might think you can.
Successful leaders delegate and empower others so they can more effectively lead the organization.
Leaders who delegate tasks or make assignments that don’t require their involvement save time in the long run. This gives them time to direct the team’s activities on these big-picture goals: fulfilling the company’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
Leadership Tip
Do less yourself; get more done for your business.
The more time you spend “getting in the weeds” of detail work, the less time you have to deliver on the big picture.
How do you stay out of the weeds and successfully delegate? Here are five keys to success:
- Carefully select the right person/people (skills, capabilities, availability, willingness) to complete the tasks you’re delegating.
- Make sure your people understand the importance and relevance of those tasks.
- Let them select their own deadlines to complete the tasks if possible.
- Follow up on an agreed-upon schedule; hold them accountable to that timeline.
- Appreciate and recognize their successes when their tasks are complete.
Be careful in how you manage their tasks so you can get more done-by delegating.
