Delegating work is crucial to any leader’s success
Delegation is one of those peculiar management skills we pay so little attention to, but yet it is so very important to our sanity and to how we perform on our jobs. The reason is obvious: Because we want to look good, we want everything in our department done right… and what better way than by doing it ourselves, right?
Wrong. If you were hired, say, as a Finance Manager for your company, you’re supposed to be spending your time figuring out where you ought to invest the company’s money… not whether all the bills have been paid.
Sure, if all the bills are paid, your department looks good. But it’s not what the company is paying you for. That’s what your Accounts Clerk (for argument’s sake, we’ll call him Charlie) is for. Delegating work is crucial to any leader’s success - why do you think company directors and CEOs are always busy playing golf?
Delegating tips
Refine the description of the task on paper till it appears as you want it. Only then should you delegate it.
Record your discussions with your subordinate, and get him to do the same. Then have him repeat what has been said to ensure he understands what you need.
Refrain from panicking and doing the task yourself if you suspect your subordinate may not be able to deliver. Give him the benefit of doubt, and follow up on the task frequently.
