Top 5 Delegation Tips

By Richard Smit

As a supervisor or team leader, one of your most important tasks is to delegate effectively. Delegation is the process of assigning different tasks or jobs to different people. If it is done right, it will create team cohesion and a successful outcome. If you delegate poorly, you may end up with grumpy employees who can't get the job done. Here are the top five tips for delegation.

Be Selective
Before you begin to delegate, it's important to take some time to really think about who you want to do what tasks. Each person has strengths and weaknesses that you need to identify before you start the process. Be very selective. Make sure you have the right person and the right task for the person so that you get the best possible outcome.

Define the Task
Once you have the right job for the right person, you will then need to clearly define the task. This includes setting a timeframe for the job and the exact outcome you expect from your employee. However, it does not include the process. You need to keep in mind that everyone works differently "" what may work for you may not be the most effective process for another person. You have to trust that the person you have delegated the task to will be able to get the job done in their own way.

Monitor When Necessary
As a supervisor or team leader, you are ultimately responsible for the complete project. Because of this, it's important that you monitor your employees along the way to achieving their end result. Keep in mind that you need to strike a balance between monitoring enough, but not too much. If you are constantly hovering around your employees you will come across as a control freak and you may end up making the employees nervous. The idea of delegating is that you are giving the employee the authority to complete the task on their own, so don't micro-manage and undermine their work process.

Be Available
Even though your job is to let the employees work the process on their own, it does not mean you shouldn't be available to them. Let your team know that you are there for feedback and support. This can include any questions they may have along the way, or the review of major milestones in the project. Make sure they are comfortable coming to you at any step along the way.

Reward
It's a good idea to consider in advance how you will recognise and reward the staff for their efforts. Even if the employee made a few mistakes, it's important to reward the things they did well so that they are encouraged and motivated to work hard for you next time you delegate a task to them.

If you follow these five tips, you will find success in your delegation. As a final note, remember to give your employees tasks that will empower them and make them feel valued as a team member. Do not just dump menial tasks on them that you yourself don't want to do.

Article Source: http://interpret.co.za

About The Author
Richard Smith is a business professional who is currently researching Delegation Courses to help with staff and team productivity.