Getting good results at work means generating high quality output that specifically meets client needs.
Good leaders and managers today realise that:
- Delegation frees up time to focus on more important value adding work.
- Delegation is a key component in the skills development of effective team.
TIPS for Effective Delegation
How to give a good delegation
- Delegate early with pro-active delegations.
- Be clear about outcomes.
- Give clear instructions.
- Discuss clear time frame/negotiate reasonable time frame.
- Be clear about urgency/priority in relation to other work.
- Place task in context and give background information.
- Select the right person for the job, i.e. the right skills; knowledge; experience.
- Make delegation part of the initial planning process.
- Give them the opportunity to say “No!”
Effective delegation begins with a good understanding of the co-workers’ behaviour and preferences. You may need to emphasize one or more of the above areas when giving a delegation.
How to receive a good delegation
The responsibility of effective delegation does not lie solely with the delegator. It is up to the person receiving the delegation to check and clarify the following:
- Clarify task - what, when, how, outcome required.
- Check whether you are the right person – skills, authority, “why me?”
- Check whether you have the time.
- Check urgency and importance. (Have discussion around priorities).
- Do you have sufficient information to go ahead?
- Check resources needed – who/what.
- Clarify standard/format.
- Will it involve further work later ?
- What level of authority is there for the outcome?
Organisations will gain enormous benefits from effective delegation in today’s dynamic, ever-changing work environment.
The question is - How effectively is the delegation process applied within your organisation?
By Christine Petersenfrom Time Technology
