How to effectively delegate?

No one can or should do everything themselves. Delegating tasks empowers the team, builds trust, and assists with professional development. No one can or should do everything themselves. Delegating tasks empowers the team, builds trust, and assists with professional development.

It also helps you learn how to identify who is better and some activities or others.

Delegating helps people to develop new skills and gain knowledge, which prepares them for more responsibility in the future.

There are some steps you can implement:

1. Choose the right person for the job

Part of being a good leader is understanding other people’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, work ethic.

Knowing who to delegate will help with the time-management and with the quality of the project.

2. Explain why you're delegating

Spend some time with the person you want to take over the task and clarify all the steps needed. Go through any deadline, requirements, key items.

3. Provide the right instructions

The correct information is vital for the evolution of the project and handover. Remember one of the steps in my last blog “How to be more efficient with time?” was focused on the clarity if the messages, emails or discussions. One poorly written text will create confusion and delays in the project.

4. Provide resources and training

If someone wants to do the task at hand but might not have the qualifications, appreciate the eagerness and support them in their professional development. Remember that someone willing to take on the role will be more willing to go that extra mile and strive for higher quality that someone handed over a task.

5. Delegate responsibility and authority

Each new task comes with its own responsibilities but also authority over that task. So allow the staff member to enjoy the “good” with the “bad”.

6. Check the work and provide feedback

Throughout the project make sure you check in with the new responsible. Check for timelines, quality but also motivation. Several studies have been conducted on this topic and all showed that appreciated employees will work harder and be more positive in their mindset.

So when checking in, make sure you look at all aspects.

7. Say thank you

Always! No matter how big or small the task is, always say thank you! These 2 words take the power from you and pass it on to the new person and offer the empowerment needed. And will help with the the step above - making sure everyone feels appreciated!

I hope this helped in your business and personal development!