Letting Go: The Art of Delegation part 2

In “Letting Go: The Art of Delegation part 1” we learned what delegation is, why it’s important to  your success, and some of the benefits of effective delegation. In part 2 we will look more into the nuts and bolts of delegation. 

For leaders who haven’t had a lot of practice, delegation can seem foreign and confusing. Like any skill, though, practice makes better, if not perfect. 

What Tasks to Delegate?

This is a common point of confusion for those who haven’t had much experience with delegation. Obviously you can’t delegate everything, so where do you start? You should evaluate tasks that you feel are becoming overwhelming, and then determine which of those tasks could do without your direct oversight. Be honest with yourself about which tasks can do without you. 

You may want to experiment with some non-urgent tasks that would not have huge consequences in order to get comfortable with delegation. 

What Are Your Employees’ Strengths?

You’ll also want to consider who you are delegating tasks to. You want to delegate thoughtfully. You should consider team members’ strengths and skills. You will also want to consider team members’ goals for their own careers. Are there certain tasks you could hand off that will provide an employee with some needed experience for their own growth goals? Helping build up your team on their own career path is another reason to delegate. 

Are Objectives Clearly Outlined?

You will also want to have clearly defined objectives so that your team understands what they are suppose to be accomplishing. When all of the objectives and steps are only in your head, never shared with others, it makes it difficult for your team to operate as a team. 

It may feel easier to simply navigate everything in your own mind, but ultimately you aren’t strengthening your company or helping your team to grow professionally. Take some time to outline objectives so that you give your employees the confidence they need to succeed. 

This time investment now will save you time later when you’re free to handle more pressing and urgent matters that only you can handle. 

Have You Provided The Right Resources?

Don’t expect delegation to succeed if you aren’t willing to invest some time in providing the right resources or training to ensure your employees can succeed. This is where many leaders start to think that it’s just faster to do everything themselves. 

Although training and guidance does obviously take time, it’s an investment like anything else. You invest some time now so that going forward, long-term, you have a system in place that works for everyone. 

Are You Giving Space To Team Members?

Once you feel confident that you have given your team members what they need to succeed, it’s time to step back. Delegation only works if you let go. This will take some self-discipline to begin with, but after a while it’ll feel natural. You’ll start to trust your team to handle delegated tasks and you’ll start to trust yourself to delegate wisely. 

Delegation is a powerful way to empower your team, use your time more effectively, and protect your own sanity. 

Working with a local marketing team is one way you can delegate and NTH Media is here to help. If you’d like to learn more about our marketing and advertising services, please contact us today.