A long time ago I was employed as a Civil Service clerk. It seemed that almost everyone had the right to assign work to me. It wasn’t fun, but I did learn a lot for later on when I had my own staff and it was my time to start delegating tasks. This is what I learned:
1. Know what needs to be done. Make sure you know the amount of time or effort it will take to complete the assignment. Be sure it is not an impossible task to finish in the amount of time allotted.
2. Listen to your staff’s needs and concerns. If they have questions or need more information, be available. Sometimes your direction is needed to complete the task.
3. Time is valuable. People work better when they are refreshed and not harassed. Be mindful of deadlines, but limit undue stress.
4. Once you have delegated the job, give them the courtesy of stepping back and allowing them to complete it.
5. If you have concerns, try to redirect them in a non-critical way. If you see the work not going in the direction you want, remember, everyone is different. I might look at the same thing as you do and come away with a different perspective. Be sure you are clear in your expectation(s).
And last but not least,
6. Give credit where credit is due. Your staff is only as good as you are. They are an extension of you. If something is getting missed, you should take the responsibility. But if it get’s Kudos, make sure you pass that to the right person.
Basically, the Golden Rule still applies. Treat your staff as you would like to be treated. I try to make sure my staff knows how much I appreciate them, how much I value their opinion, and that I have confidence in their abilities.
As staff members we know you have to delegate. It’s how you do it that makes the difference. It’s what you do once you delegate that can make or break people. By nature people want to do a good job and want to please. Give them the opportunity to shine, it might surprise you.
