One of the realizations that over worked managers experience is the
importance of handing off or delegating work to others. It is true that
delegation is a means to off-loading excess tasks and projects. The key
questions related to smart delegation is, “Why this handoff to this
individual?” and, “How is this an opportunity for someone else to grow
and learn?”
Speaking from personal experience, delegating is much more than saying
“here’s something I want you to do for me.” Delegation is much, much
more than dumping a not-so-nice or pain-in-the-neck chore on someone
else that happens to come in your sight lines as you struggle with
never-ending deadlines.
… virtually every interaction involving delegation has the opportunity to be developmental in scope and nature ….
I have learned that delegation involves a number of key factors:
- How well do I understand what is needed to complete the work?
(Hint: this is a fundamental requirement to ensure clarity in the handoff of the task or project) - How relevant is this assignment to the candidate’s developmental plan?
(Hint: a big clue is does this person have a developmental plan?) - What level of responsibility and authority is required for the work to be completed? How much am I willing to let go of?
(Hint: watch for how your inner critic and identity may pop up as you hand off something you enjoy or have become known to be the subject matter expert) - What are my expectations in concert with the candidates expectations in the not-too-distant future?
(Hint: this may need the candidate to consider the request and to meet with you within a defined timeframe to exchange expectations)
Above and beyond what is shared in the linked HBR article and the motivation of profit, I support the notion that virtually every interaction involving delegation has the opportunity to be developmental in scope and nature. I hope you enjoy this article (and these monthly leadership oriented newsletters) and factor in the questions posed in the cover note and accompanying article.
Recommended Reading:
- Harvard Business Review – “Research: Delegating More Can Increase Your Earnings”