DELEGATION GUIDES
- Be clear about the assignment. Before you ever talk to your employee, think
the job through. What exactly are the results you want? What is the deadline? What options
does the employee have as he/she tackles the assignments. Try to give the assignment in such
a way that the person has some options as he/she does the task. This way he/she will have more
of a sense of responsibility about the work he/she is doing. Ask for feedback before the employee
begins the job to clarify any doubts about the assignment.
- Be sure that the person assigned the job has the time and resources to do the
job. It doesn't hurt to ask for that extra effort from your people, but be sure in your own
mind that the assignment is reasonable. There's a difference between delegation and dumping.
- Monitor to be sure that the job is underway and performed correctly. Don't wait
until the deadline to check with the employee to see how things are going. You are probably
already aware how easy it is to have a problem explaining exactly what you want. Be friendly
and helpful as you monitor. Assume that the employee will do his very best once he understands
the assignment.
- Provide feedback to let the employee know whether his performance is on or off
the track. Provide any assistance that is needed to complete an unusual or difficult task.
Even when the performance is okay, be sure to tell the employee that the job is just what you
wanted. Don't miss any opportunity to give praise or recognition.
- When the job is finished, thank the employee for doing the job. Be generous
with praise and be sure that he/she receives credit for the work he/she has done. Nothing is
more discouraging than to give your all to complete an assignment and then find that your supervisor
has taken all of the credit for the job and never mentioned your efforts.
- Delegate with style and grace. Be pleasant in your dealings with your employees.
You spend more time with them than with your family. Make the working relationships as pleasant
as possible.
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