6 Ways to Delegate Effectively

So you run your own company or you are in a position of authority at the workplace. This makes you very busy and there never seems to be enough hours in the day. Overwork and stress can take a toll on your efficiency and health. You still have to meet your deadlines despite all this so you might want to consider delegating some of your work. This does not mean just dumping your work on other people. In order to do this and still have the quality results you want, you have to delegate properly. So here are 6 ways to delegate effectively so you can regain your precious time while getting the job done.

Develop Trust

You will always be reluctant to ask for help if you do not trust others to do a good job. Get to know your subordinates. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Only then you will be able to delegate the right task to the right person. This way you are more likely to get the task completed on time and be of the best quality. Over time your employees will not only develop the ability they have but also gain more skills and experiences. You will develop more trust in them and delegate more. The end result is that your company may become the well-oiled machinery of which you can be proud.

Make Sure There Is Clarity

Another important step towards delegating effectively is to begin by clearly stating the objectives of the task. Let your assistants know whether you want the task done a specific way or whether they have the freedom to find their own solution. Remember your way is not the only way and sometimes, not even the best way. Set goals, deadlines, and standards so your assistant stays focused and completes the task in a timely manner. Make sure the goals are realistic and attainable. Let them know that you are available to answer questions that might come up. Make sure you are actually available. Give them an idea of what the end result should be. Let them know how their task fits into the company’s goals. Get a commitment from them that they can actually do the task.

Give Them The Resources They Need

You may have access to the resources needed for the task but, your assistants may not. Provide the capital and information and manpower needed for the task. They may need a password to access certain documents as well as certain equipment and tools to carry out the task. They may even have to consult another employee so you need to pave the way for this. The task can only be done well and in a timely manner if you give the assistant the means to do so.

Feedback

Without micromanaging, keep abreast of what is going on. Encourage your assistant to provide updates (especially if it’s a long-term project), ask questions and ask for help if they are stuck. This will help to keep the project on track and give your assistant confidence. Assigned tasks may not always be completed right the first time and you need to make allowances for this. You will learn more about your assistant’s abilities which will influence how you assign future tasks. As your employees become more experienced and efficient, you will feel more confident to delegate.

Follow Up Emails

There may be several meetings during the duration of the project. Not every detail will be remembered by your employees or even by you. Send follow up emails to remind yourselves of what was discussed. This will give your assistants something to refer to without having to come back to you. Sending emails will also help to keep track of what is to be done and maybe what should not be done.

Not Just The Workplace

The delegation of tasks needs not to be restricted to the workplace. It can begin in the home as well. Women are not working machines as some may seem to think. You should delegate some of the tasks at home so the members of the household become more responsible. This is especially true if you are a working mother. Children should clean their rooms and look after their pets. They can help with the chores suitable for their age groups. Fathers can lead the way as an example to the children. A task board can be set up so each person is aware of their duties. Effectively delegating could lead to more togetherness in the household as well.

Not every task can or should be delegated. Over time you will learn which tasks should or should not be assigned to others. You will know the tasks, which need your personal touch. Delegation is an important tool in any organization. It adds to a company’s efficiency and effectiveness as it makes both employers and employees more well-rounded and less stressed. This seems like a win-win situation. Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. You can also get in touch.