Last week I introduced several different definitions and viewpoints on delegation. Having a good understanding of this action is a great start, but the second and equally important step is having a delegation style that will ensure success. Just as a sports team can have amazing, talented athletes yet end up with a losing season if the coach doesn’t have the right leadership skills, you must have a solid plan and style to make delegation work.
Your delegation style or plan needs to include these three components:
1. The “Ask”: When reaching out to others in your effort to delegate a task, the manner in which you make the request is important. Make sure you are very clear in stating your expectations. Give specific deadlines, and explain your vision for the finished product. Make sure that these details are not only verbalized, but also documented in writing. This helps avoid assumptions and misunderstandings.
2. Follow-Up: Make sure you and those responsible for the task have agreed upon when updates on progress are to be given. Again, these dates/times should be clearly discussed and documented in writing before the project starts.
3. Feedback: When the task has been completed, be sure you focus on the finished product more than the process that was taken to get there. Create an objective assessment to be used when providing feedback, once the project is complete.
Let me know how your delegation style is working, and what additional components make delegation successful for your business or personal life.
Staying Organized-
Elisabeth
