All the best leaders know how to delegate. They understand that their skills and time are limited so rather than fighting against it, they work with it. They play to their strengths and the expertise of their employees to optimise productivity.
But it’s easier said than done. Most of us, to a degree, fear letting go, especially of something we love, but that’s how entrepreneurs and CEOs end up burning out. Learn to trust your team and accept that you can’t do it all, you’ll accomplish much more with their help than you will alone.
Five tips to perfecting your delegation skills
Write priority lists
Make note of all the tasks you do on a day to day basis and assess their priority. As the leader of the company you should only be focusing your time on the highest priority tasks and delegating all the rest. Once you know which tasks you’ll be delegating regularly, introduce your lists as part of your existing management processes so that delegation is automatic and stress-free.
Take the time to explain
It’s important to fully explain the tasks you’re delegating, not only to save you time, but to also show your team members that you value them and their growth. You can’t expect someone to know how you like the task to be completed if you haven’t told them. Make your instructions detailed and clear.
Be patient
Even if you provide your team with instructions and examples, it might still take a while for the person to grasp exactly what you’re looking for. Instead of taking away their responsibility, be patient and explain where they went wrong and how they could improve in the future.
Try not to interfere
Allow your employees to work in their own time and space without you breathing down their necks and checking on their progress every five minutes. It’s important that they feel trusted and respected, and have the freedom to approach the tasks in their own way. You might find they come up with something that you’d never considered.
Create a feedback system
Whether it’s a formal weekly meeting, a progress email or an informal chat, your employees need to know that you personally recognise what they’ve achieved and are appreciative of their help. It will build a sense of loyalty and togetherness.
