Delegation at face value sounds easy. However, I can tell you that many organizations, specifically their directors, vice-presidents, and managers, struggle with engaging in this task both effectively and consistently. Where’s the gap? It primarily involves two areas. The first is not spending sufficient time with individuals on your team 1:1 to have open conversations that can provide an accurate appraisal if that person is actually capable of performing the task that is being delegated to them. Frequently, I see a management style of delegation that is simply “Do this by this time.” That results in the delegee, when they are not capable, of being fearful to admit their deficiencies. Subsequently, bad decisions get made, outcomes are terrible, and everyone starts scrambling to “fix the new problem.” The second main error in delegation is the absence of ongoing teaching. Again, what I have detected is that people make false assumptions that “everyone is on the same page,” and they understand the company strategy, a new product roll-out, or a new initiative. Being a clear communicator that invites people to convey their understanding, ask questions when in doubt, and having an open-door policy all contribute to being able to delegate effectively. These two actions will have the positive effect of building trust with you, and trust within your team members. When you have reciprocal trust, delegation can be more effective because it reduces or eliminates fear associated with mistakes.

 

The Exercise:

Your assignment is to engage in a critical self-appraisal of your delegation skills. By reflecting on these questions, and answering them honestly, you can specifically identify what actions you should take to improve your delegation method. The last time you delegated an important task and it was not successful, list the reasons why you believe it failed in these domains:

 

 

• Things I could have done better:

• High level systemic/organizational challenges that need to be improved:

• Team dynamics that need to be improved:

• Areas where my delegee(s) needed coaching/clearer communication/ technical instruction: