SERIES: Part Two of a Four-Part Article
Many implosions have occurred in business today, due to miss
communication on the delegation process. And most of these happen within
meetings that place functional players in conflict with leaders daily.
Management experts find that there are typically five opportunities for miss
delegation or delegated tasks to implode. By turning these five into
opportunities for growth and recognizing that most delegation is an outgrowth
of a meeting, here are five considerations:
- Objective – It is paramount to clearly
communicate “what” is needed or expected versus assuming that “what” you
want is “what” they perceive as being asked for or requested.
- Deadline – The obvious of the
delegation aspects is most often communicated in a vague manner. For
example, indicating to someone that a project is due by the end of the day
is dramatically different than saying, “I need this by 4:30 p.m. today!”
- Empowerment – Allowing a person the
authority to execute a decision in any manner they desire is important. So
too is placing perimeters upon a person as to “how” something must or can
be executed.
- Access – Ensuring that the project
will not be adversely affected because someone can’t get access to
information, materials or supplies is critical. So, if it is necessary,
send out a blanket email to the universe communicating when you have
tasked someone with a specific task and that they have specific/limited
access to the universe. This will ensure someone does not derail his or
her success at your expense!
Follow-Up – If it is apparent that during the execution of a project,
because of the depth of the task or the personalities involved, that you may
want to have some routine communication to ensure that everything is
progressing, pre-call this act at the time of the initial delegation. Likewise,
if after the delegated task is completed, if you would like to get with the
delegates and see what lessons can be gleaned, pre-all this date at the time of
delegation as well. While the intent of both of these acts is positive, if they
are not pre-called, and you attempt to merely do them after-the-fact, others
may perceive it as negative.
What are your ideas on how to effectively run
meetings?
-- Dr. Jeff
Magee