Unfortunately, some managers shy away from delegating for fear of jeopardizing job security or possibly disrupting the flow of the team. However, there are some very positive outcomes of delegation if it is done properly. Delegation can be a highly effective tool for managing time and productivity. However, it is important that you never simply "pass-off" your unwanted or failed assignments to others. This method is transparent, and can prove to be frustrating and cause resentment among your team. You could also lose some level of respect if employees don't feel respected.
Good delegation strategies include carefully considering what you can do to grow your team during the delegation process, keeping in mind that you are still ultimately in charge of the assignment completion. This article will introduce 3 strong benefits to effective delegation and what you can do to make the process go smoothly.
Delegating low-priority tasks to increase productivity
As you begin to look for ways to maximize your productivity, time management experts recommend keeping a time-log of all of your activities for at least two weeks. The purpose of this assignment is to track your high and low-priority assignments. You should aim to delegate a good portion of you low-priority (or routine) assignments among your team. Also, it’s a good idea to limit your designated large or high-priority assignments to 5 or 6 per day. Having too many large tasks on your list in any one day can be far too overwhelming.
When you have too much to accomplish, you start to feel rushed and you don't produce your best quality work. Look for things that you do on a daily basis that can be delegated to another competent person. Make a list of the assignments that you would like to delegate. If your team is rather large, you can also jot down names of the individuals that you are considering assigning certain tasks to. Review your list to be sure that you are not under-assigning, or over-assigning projects.
Reduce stress by mainstreaming your workload
As a manager, you've probably been charged with getting a lot done in a little time. By working alone, you limit yourself to only those things that you are able to accomplish. With increasing technology and demands on achievement, that role of management evolves tremendously over the course of a year. As job roles expand, it gets hard to see how you’ll have time to commit to everything on your agenda. You may find difficulty in managing your increasing demands. One small act of disorganization can send your day and your team morale spiraling downward. Through delegation, you can gain better control of your day while you work to create a "shared-responsibility" environment among your team.
If your desk is cluttered and your calendar is over-booked, you aren't effectively utilizing the strengths of a team environment. You can manage the demands placed on you by taking steps to realistically achieve your goals. View delegation as a means to help you achieve more as you stretch your management ability. Resolve to re-assign some of your workload and periodically monitor the progression. Your stress level will decrease when you are more controlled and confident about you role as a manager. Consider that you can help others to be successful and add value to organization by giving them more responsibility. For maximum growth, be sure to chose delegates that are competent to complete the tasks.
Aim at building staff morale
When you chose not to delegate, you may be missing out on a prime opportunity to offer your knowledge and support to others. An often overlooked point-of-view is that delegation can be a powerful motivating tool for employees. The additional duties can help to enhance their knowledge base and further develop job skills. In some instances, hidden talents will be uncovered. For example, you may learn that you’ve assigned a document management task to a person with exceptional skills in internet research, outlook and excel. Not only should delegates be empowered to make decisions, they should also understand that help and guidance is there if they should need it. Your job is to communicate clearly the instructions and expectations. When the employees are given the proper tools to succeed, they are less likely to fail. There is a stronger structure within the department when everyone knows what to expect, and what is expected of them.
Overseeing the delegation process can be done by conducting brainstorming meetings, having written documentation and follow-up. Feedback is then used to confirm whether the structure is sound, or whether some ideas need to be re-visited. You should examine whether some level of formal or informal training is necessary to help the delegates succeed. Keep in mind that you are to reiterate to the employees that they are making a valuable contribution to the success of the organization and that there efforts are greatly appreciated. The initiative of employee satisfaction revolves around a good job skills portfolio, a good reputation, and adequate recognition for a job well done.
In conclusion, maximizing employee and manager skills are key benefits of effective delegation. The end result is increased job satisfaction for both parties. The manager develops skills by exercising good leadership practices that involve selection, direction, and coaching of the individual or team delegates. The delegate develops skills by taking a directive and proceeding with empowerment to complete the task. With support, guidance, and all available resources, employees feel assured that they are an important part of the strategic design of the department, and therefore the organization.
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