How Managers Can Delegate Better

Delegating is hard. “I don’t have the time to delegate” or “They might screw it up” are common excuses for not delegating. But at what cost? 

Delegating boosts personal and team productivity. Delegating also presents an opportunity to develop, motivate, and engage your team.

6 Tips to Improve Delegating

Do you struggle to delegate? Try the following and see if you get a better result:

Tip # 1 - Empower the “How”

Many managers think delegating is “telling” someone what to do. “Here’s what needs to happen and here are the steps to complete.” Instead, first start with “why” it matters, explain how it supports team and company goals, and empower them to determine “how” best to accomplish it.

Tip #2 - Define Success at the Outset

Go beyond defining “what” needs to happen and paint a picture of a successful outcome. Explain what outcome you seek and include any relevant metrics.

Tip #3 - Develop Your Team

Successful managers don’t just hand off mind-numbing tasks. They also delegate projects that stretch their direct reports. Enable their success by investing in their development as part of completing the project. Don’t just “set it and forget it.” Coach them on the skills they need to successfully complete the task or project.

Tip #4 - Individualize Your Approach

Leverage what you know about each of your team members to individualize your approach. Some people like more direction and fewer check-ins. Others prefer to be challenged with stretch goals. Adapt your approach based on your team’s unique preferences. Don’t know what those are? Use your next meeting to ask them.

Tip #5 - Tap into Individual Strengths

Each of us has a unique mosaic of strengths. Look for opportunities to delegate new projects based on your team’s specific strengths and those they hope to develop further.

Tip #6 - Step Back and Step in Front

When things go well, step back and allow your team member to bask in the accolades. When things go well, step in and share the burden of criticism. It’s what great leaders and managers do.

Delegating is indeed hard. It takes time, intention, and effort to do it right. But applying the steps above delivers a real ROI in the form of team productivity and individual development.

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