Being the leader doesn’t mean you should do all the work. When you delegate effectively, you not only leverage your team’s strengths, but you provide them with the development opportunities they crave!
If you are aiming to enhance your team’s performance and your leadership impact, practice delegating effectively. Delegation isn’t just about handing off tasks; it’s about empowering your team and fostering their development.
Here are five steps to delegate projects effectively*:
1. Determine the Appropriate Level of Ownership: Assess each team member’s skills and experience to assign tasks that match their capabilities, interest and bandwidth. This ensures you set the delegate up for success.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the goals, deadlines, and desired outcomes for the task. Ensure they understands their responsibilities, guardrails and expected standards.
3. Provide Support and Resources: Equip your team with the necessary tools, training, and introductions to complete their tasks successfully. Support them without taking any part of the task or project back!
4. Have the Handoff Conversation: When delegating, have a detailed conversation about the task. Discuss the objectives, timelines, and any potential challenges.
5. Provide Useful Follow-Up and Feedback: Regularly check in on progress and offer constructive feedback. Celebrate successes and address any issues promptly to keep them motivated and on track.
* Excerpt from our ‘Delegating to Empower Others’ course.
