Leadership Skill: Delegation
If you don't delegate, you will tend to focus on the higher priority or immediate needs. Lower priority or routine work will tend to get pushed to the side or be accomplished with minimal quality. If left undone, those tasks usually build up and become overwhelming and more stressful when you finally do get to them. If done poorly, you might find yourself later needing to redo them, taking up more of your time.
How You Delegate Matters
Leaders must be careful that the way they delegate doesn't counteract the good in delegating.
Two pitfalls to avoid:- maintaining too much control
- not providing enough accountability
- First analyze your situation.What tasks can be delegated and what type of gifting or skill level should be in the person to do them?
- Choose people wisely.Who is the best person for the job?
- Sufficiently train or orient the person.What does the person need to succeed at the task?
- Adequately communicate parameters in advance.What level of authority does the person have to make decisions about the task?
- Build predetermined evaluation and feedback into the process.When and how are they to report on the progress they are making or receive help they might need?
- Express appreciation and affirm the person.How can you support the person throughout the process?
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Go To: Other Leader Skills - Leader Basics - Leader Qualities - Practicum