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:
1. 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.
2. 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!”
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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 types of success have you experienced with delegation?