Six Tips for Delegating to Subordinates… Its Easier to Do it Myself

Delegation of responsibilities, or getting things accomplished through others is a skill that all managers need to practice successfully and consistently. Too many times however supervisors, in the rush to get things done, are heard to remark, “it’s easier to do it myself”. The result of this is burned out managers who take responsibility for everything and demoralized subordinates who feel their bosses don’t trust them with greater responsibility. Our tendency is to do what is familiar and to focus on what we think we do well; in other words, stay in our comfort zone rather than rise to the true responsibilities of supervision and leadership.

Here are a few tips on delegation that apply to everyone.

1. Take the time to train people to do the work that you need them to do. It is easier to delegate when you feel confident that the work will be done satisfactorily. Never “set up” a subordinate to fail.
2. Remember there is always more than one way to effectively complete a task. Your subordinate may help you see a way to “work smarter” To be a good supervisor…one who delegates effectively, we must give up our need to control every situation.
3. Match the person to the job requirements. Don’t dump the jobs that you don’t like to do. The result will not be positive for anyone. This requires that you know your self and your subordinates…know what they are good at and the areas of their work that need improvement. 4. Keep your own needs for perfection in check. If your attitude is that “no one else can do it better than I can”, you can’t delegate successfully.
5. John Maxwell, of 360 degree leadership fame, admits that there are tasks you should not delegate. For example: don’t delegate a job that will directly effect your own welfare or the welfare of your work team, or don’t delegate a task that your boss has asked you to personally handle.
6. The vast majority of work however can be delegated to prepared subordinates. Do delegate:
• things that divert your attention from what should be your real focus;
• tasks that don’t require your personal attention;
• tasks that another person on the work team has the expertise to handle;
• tasks that will enhance the reputation of others on the team when they complete them successfully.

Strong leaders delegate! Thru the delegation of responsibility, you will achieve your goals and contribute to the personal growth of others.

December 14th, 2007