How do you decide what tasks to delegate and what to outsource?

3 The risks of delegation and outsourcing

Delegating and outsourcing may come with potential risks, such as a decrease in quality, consistency, or alignment; wasting time and money; losing control, ownership, or security; damaging your reputation or relationships; and missing out on learning opportunities or personal growth. Relying on others who may not meet your standards or expectations can be concerning, as can giving away access to your information, systems, or customers. Additionally, disappointing your stakeholders, violating agreements, or creating conflicts of interest can be detrimental. Finally, avoiding the challenges or feedback that come with doing the task yourself could hinder personal growth.

4 The criteria for delegation and outsourcing

When deciding what tasks to delegate or outsource, you should consider criteria that can help you evaluate the nature, value, and complexity of the task. Ask yourself if the task is repetitive, routine, or low-priority. If so, you can delegate or outsource it to save your time for more strategic or creative tasks. You may also want to outsource specialized, technical, or high-skill tasks if you lack the expertise or experience. Additionally, consider if the task is urgent, short-term, or one-off. If so, you can outsource it to someone who can deliver it quickly or flexibly without committing to a long-term relationship. Additionally, decide if the task is core, critical, or high-value and determine whether you should delegate or outsource it to reduce your risk or liability for the outcome. Lastly, ask yourself if the task is personal, confidential, or sensitive and consider if you should keep it to yourself or delegate it to someone you trust and respect.

5 The process for delegation and outsourcing

Once you have decided what tasks to delegate and outsource, it is important to follow a process that will ensure a smooth and successful execution. This should include clearly and realistically defining the scope, goals, and expectations of the task. Additionally, you should choose the right person or provider based on their skills, availability, and reputation. Furthermore, effective and respectful communication of the task, instructions, and feedback should be provided. In order to ensure success, you should also provide the resources, support, and autonomy that the person or provider needs. Additionally, you should monitor the progress, quality, and results of the task regularly and constructively. Finally, recognizing, rewarding, and reviewing the performance of the person or provider is essential for success.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?