13 Ways To Delegate Work Effectively

Something for us to think...



By Tim Connor
The Star, 5th April 2008

1. Delegate a task if someone else can do it, wants to do it, needs to do it or likes to do it.
2. When you delegate responsibility, also delegate the authority to use the resources to get it done.
3. Delegate results, not necessarily the methods.
4. When you delegate something, don’t take it back.
5. Ensure the person understands what you have delegated to him / her and WHY.
6. Set benchmarks or checkpoints and then leave them alone.
7. Reinforce positive results and give feedback on negative results.
8. Communicate clear instructions, expectations and guidelines.
9. Use delegation as a staff development tool.
10. Resist the tendency to over-inspect.
11. Ask for regular written or verbal reports.
12. Remember what you delegated and to whom.
13. See failure as necessary if people are willing to stretch, learn and grow.