Delegation skills are a leader’s ability to assign tasks and responsibilities to other team members, allowing them to use their skills and knowledge to complete those tasks. This capability is essential for effective leadership, as it allows leaders to focus on the most impactful, strategic tasks, while empowering and developing team members.
The ability to delegate: 4 benefits
Leaders who delegate properly are more effective and valued in companies, as they provide 4 important benefits:
- Time optimization: allows them to focus on critical and strategic tasks.
- Team development: They help team members develop new skills and boost their confidence.
- Improved efficiency: they leverage the specific skills and knowledge of team members, increasing productivity.
- Trust-building: they promote an environment of trust and mutual respect between them and their team.
This interpersonal intelligence competence is related to others already seen above, such as the development of others, organization and planning, self-control, confidence and orientation to results.
HOW CAN I DEVELOP MY DELEGATION SKILLS?
1-Reflection
Identify what work to delegate. Not everything can be delegated.
Some tasks are strategic or business-critical and should have your full attention.
Before you start delegating work, evaluate its importance and the implications of having someone else do it.
This isn’t to say that you can’t delegate important tasks.
If there’s another team member with the context, experience, or skill set to do this work effectively, delegating it might be a good option. But keep in mind that the end result is still your responsibility.
2-Self-knowledge and knowledge of your team
Reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, and recognize areas where others can contribute more and you can better identify which tasks to delegate. Invest time in getting to know each team member’s skills, interests, and aspirations.
It’s important to deeply understand each team member.
This allows you to delegate tasks that are not only appropriate, but also that motivate and develop each person.
3-Clear and transparent communication
Be sure to clearly communicate expectations, goals, and deadlines for each delegated task. Effective communication is key to delegation.
You should be clear and specific about what you expect, providing all the necessary information. Delegating tasks is a great opportunity to offer and receive feedback and improve communication.
Make sure the homer has a way to reach out to you if they have any questions, and schedule frequent meetings, such as to review everything in more detail.
Ask your team members for their input.
Did you provide enough information for them to succeed?
Were there any unanswered questions that would have made the job easier?
Keep in mind that delegating is a long-term skill that you’re just starting to develop, so asking for feedback will help set you up for future success.
4-Clearly define priorities
The best way to clearly define priorities is to connect work to team and business goals.
When everyone understands why a task is important, it’s easier to prioritize effectively and generate positive results.
Centralize all team work in a shared source of truth, such as a project management tool.
This way, everyone will have direct visibility into who is doing what, when, and why.
5-Provides Resources and Support
Make sure team members have the resources and support they need to complete delegated tasks. It provides the tools and support needed for them to succeed.
Ultimately, you are responsible for the success of the project. If this is your first time delegating this type of work, implement a review cycle or follow-up period to analyze the tasks that were done and point them in the right direction if necessary.
Investment in training is also important. This takes time and it’s tempting to do these tasks on your own, but you should think of training as an investment in team members and your own workload.
Delegating tasks is a great way to develop your own time management skills while offering team members new opportunities.
6-Trust and empowerment
Trust your team’s ability to perform tasks. It avoids micro-management and allows them to work autonomously. It’s important to empower team members.
By trusting them, you foster an environment of autonomy and responsibility. Once you’ve delegated the task, try to take a step back and let the other person do the work.
Check in with the collaborator periodically to make sure they don’t need extra help, but don’t intervene too much.
7-Feedback and recognition
Provides constructive feedback and recognizes team accomplishments and efforts. Positive and constructive feedback as a tool for growth.
Be sure to recognize good work and offer suggestions for improvement in a respectful manner. By delegating tasks effectively, you offer other team members the opportunity to develop new skills and get involved in important projects.
Once the work is finished, make sure the person who performed it receives the credit.
“Remember to continue developing your talent to reach your best version”
