How to Delegate

Published: Oct 13, 2004

Delegating is an acquired skill. This means you and everyone else must learn how to delegate.

Three Basic Steps of Delegating:

Remain aware of the feelings of, and the effect on, others.
What are the attitudes of the affected parties?
Take care in selecting the best person for the task.
Is there a development opportunity in the assignment?
Pay special attention to your communications. Refer to the Communication Model skill.

Specify the performance expected. Don't expect perfection the first time.
Define the objectives clearly [action / goal / completion time].
You should not abdicate your own responsibility. Your responsibility does not lessen. Responsibility is not an object that can be passed from one person to another - rather, it's an extension especially if things go wrong.
Obligation is a powerful motivator. If the task is not performed properly the person delegating is harmed.
Establish feedback reporting and controls. Remember to praise for work well done.

Don't wait for the assignee to ask for the authority.
Make sure the authority given matches responsibility. Successful delegation results from dispensing equal amounts of responsibility and authority.
Have the courage to relinquish some of your own authority if necessary.
Give some freedom. Delegate what to do, not how to do it.
Give your subordinate a chance. Don't rush in to fix it at the slightest mishap.

Why have you read this far?
Think of all the thoughts that run through your head while you hesitate to delegate.
This is not a complex process for simple people - it's a simple process for complex people situations.
If practiced properly and often, it will become as natural as tying your shoes.

It is the road to success. Observe great leaders to see how they have become masters of delegating.
Learn to get satisfaction by accomplishing things through others.
Are you a leader or a worker?

Confront your fears.
- Are they real or imagined?
- Examine the sources of the fear.
You will not delegate yourself out of a job unless you are incompetent.
- Your subordinates will push you to greater responsibilities.
Why do you think you are the only one who can do it right?
- Do you want to remain just a skilled worker?
- Who taught you your skills? Where are your mentors now?
If it's easier to do it yourself, you're missing an opportunity to train and develop a supportive team.
- You're overlooking the second and many other re-occurences.
- It could be time to examine your hiring practices.
Because you have always done the work?
Do you have false assumptions about the capabilities of others?
- You could be in for some surprises.