Here's how you can conquer the challenges of delegating authority.
Delegating authority is a vital skill in executive management, but it can often feel like a daunting task. The key is to recognize that delegation is not about relinquishing control, but rather about empowering your team. It's about assigning responsibility and entrusting your team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise. By doing so, you not only free up your own time for higher-level strategic planning but also foster a sense of ownership and accountability in your team. The first step is to clearly identify the tasks that can be delegated and to whom they should be assigned.
Before you delegate, take the time to assess the skills and capabilities of your team members. This ensures that you're assigning tasks to individuals who are best equipped to handle them. Consider their past performance, areas of expertise, and workload capacity. By matching tasks with the right people, you not only set them up for success but also demonstrate your trust in their abilities. This can significantly boost morale and encourage professional growth, as team members feel valued and recognized for their contributions.
-
Danielle Cowdrey, MBA, PMP
Passionate about organizational health and strategy | MBA and Project Management Professional | Artist
Assessing a team member’s abilities is probably the most critical factor in being able to delegate work. Once you are aware of a person’s capabilities you are able to assess whether a person should be delegated a certain task and how much freedom or supervision they might need. This is not micromanaging, but rather giving the team member the appropriate amount of support based on their skill level. No matter how long a person has been in the professional world, there will be times that they will need additional support or training, such as being promoted or moving into a different role. As a team member grows more proficient they require less support and gauging that appropriately will also exhibit trust in the teammates relationship.
-
Jose Bordetas
#Girldad #Leader #Armyvet
One of the things that I always focus on is understanding my team members as individuals. This way, you can assess skills and capabilities and learn what motivational triggers can be used to elicit expected outcomes. Once you have determined that the individual you are delegating to is up to the task, you will need to disengage yet continue to look at what you expect.
-
Shaun E. Williams, CCIM, CMB®
Bank Executive | Former DJ | Whiskey Snob | Florida Man | Dragon Slayer | Views Are My Own
I think in order to conquer the challenges of delegating authority, you have to build trust with your team. An executive should clearly communicate goals and expectations, empower your team with necessary resources, provide ongoing support, offer feedback, and encourage (even reward) experimentation. Monitoring progress without micromanaging ultimately leads to improved team performance and efficiency.
Once you've identified the right person for the job, it's crucial to set clear expectations. This involves communicating the desired outcome, any deadlines, and the extent of their decision-making authority. Ensure that they understand not just the task at hand, but also its importance and how it fits into the larger picture. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned with the organization's goals. Remember, effective delegation is not about micromanaging; it's about providing the guidance necessary for others to succeed independently.
To conquer delegation challenges, ensure that your team has access to the necessary resources to complete their tasks effectively. Whether it's access to certain tools, additional training, or the ability to consult with other experts within the organization, removing barriers is essential. Providing resources also signals your commitment to supporting your team's success. It's a practical way to show that you're not just handing off tasks, but also enabling your team to perform at their best.
Keeping a watchful eye on progress is part of responsible delegation. This doesn't mean hovering over every detail but establishing a system of regular check-ins and updates. This approach allows you to gauge how well tasks are being executed and offer support or redirection as needed. It's a delicate balance between giving autonomy and remaining involved enough to ensure that outcomes are on track. Effective monitoring can help catch potential issues early and reinforces your role as a leader who is engaged and supportive.
Finally, encourage open communication and feedback from those you've delegated tasks to. This dialogue can provide valuable insights into how processes can be improved and how team members are coping with their new responsibilities. It's an opportunity for you to listen, learn, and make adjustments that benefit the entire organization. Encouraging feedback also fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel their opinions are valued and respected, leading to a more motivated and cohesive team.
-
Donald Kubelka
Director of Development at ExpandoVision, Inc. - Secure additional funds for your projects without having to give up control or pay interest!
Practice by delegating things you don't care about to outside entrepreneurs. Your org creates Digital Discards (DD), info based assets that you acquire, use, then ignore. They still have value to others. The second bite of the apple is just as sweet. Set up a joint venture with an entrepreneur. Let them take the DD, create and market a product from it, and split the profits with your organization. You had already discarded the DD, so it doesn't matter if the entrepreneur fails. Whereas, if they succeed, then you just secured another source of revenue without having to exert a lot of effort or resources. By practicing delegating with things you don't really care about, you build the skills of conquering the challenges for when you do.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
CommunicationHere's how you can ensure successful outcomes when delegating tasks.
-
Personal DevelopmentHere's how you can prevent the pitfalls of excessive delegation.
-
Interpersonal SkillsWhat do you do if you're unsure which tasks to delegate?
-
Culture ChangeHere's how you can ensure clear expectations when delegating tasks.