7 Steps to Delegate Effectively

How do you delegate without second-guessing yourself, and how do you build a team that is a well-oiled machine? Here are 7 steps to effective delegation:

1.??????? Know what to and what not to delegate.

Repetitive tasks, time-consuming work, and work that your subordinates are more skilled in should be delegated. These need to happen regularly, and while they might be quick, if you are the one always doing them, you’re just spinning your wheels. Leadership is not about being the best at everything - it’s about recognizing where others shine brighter.

Confidential work, crisis management, and tasks that require your unique skill set should not be delegated. If a task screams “you” because of your deep knowledge or unique skills, keep it.

2.??????? Identify the Best Person for the Job.

The key is to?match the task’s demands with your team member’s skills and their level of eagerness.

3.??????? Give clear and specific guidance.

You’ve got to lay out?the what, the why, and the when. Explain the task at hand—what needs to get done and why it matters, including deadlines.

4.??????? Set up a way to track progress.

Avoid micromanaging - it is a trust killer. The beauty is your team should bring the updates to you. They own it. No need for you to peek over their shoulder or call constant time-outs. It’s on them to keep you in the loop.

5.??????? Support your employees.

Delegating is not just about handing out tasks; it’s about setting up your people to win. They might need a little boost with extra training or resources they don’t have yet.

6.??????? Review the completed project.

Ensure that the task is completed and perform an appropriate level of evaluation.

7.??????? Show your appreciation at the appropriate level.

Follow these steps and before you know it, you’ll be delegating like it’s second nature. Keep at it, and soon you’ll see your team—and your to-do list—improving substantially.