Success series.

The Buck Stops Here
The Success Series: Effective Delegation
Introduction
One of our most beloved Presidents, Ronald Reagan, once said: "Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere." Wise words, as delegation is a skill which everyone has heard of, but few truly understand. Sadly it is often used as an excuse for shifting failure onto the shoulders of others. However, in its positive form it's an act of authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions; allowing your team to realize their full potential. Here are 5 simple steps taken from The Success Series that will help you maximize this entrustment skill.

1. Outline the Task: Understand the task yourself before delegating it. Determine if the task is suitable to be delegated. Establish realistic deadlines. Ensure that they know what you want, what authority they have and that they have the actual knowledge and expertise to complete the task.

2. Facilitate Information and Communication: Establish access to all necessary information sources and open channels for the regular flow of communication between you and the team undertaking the task. Communicate goals, targets, expected results and timelines so that there is no uncertainty regarding the desired result.

3. Define the Boundaries and Rules: In essence, delegation is the abdication of authority and the loss of power over the subsequent process. To obtain the desired results, make certain at the outset that everyone understands the limitations and regulations and what criteria will be taken into consideration in to determine whether the task has been successfully completed.

4. Allow for Growth: One cannot relinquish responsibility through delegation. This is especially true with people that have not yet had sufficient opportunity to gain the skills necessary to complete the task. These skills are usually developed gradually over time by starting small and building experience, knowledge and confidence.

5. Manage the Result: Monitor, but don't persecute - provide guidance and input, don't decide. Give them the space necessary to grow. Measure the results objectively on predetermined criteria and standards that were explained at the outset. Praise and encouragement foster an acceptable outcome. In the case of an inadequate result, consider your own lack of effectively managing the delegation progression. Remember, you can delegate authority but you can never delegate responsibility.

In Closing
Handing over authority is one of the hardest things most people to do because with it you also confer a wide range of freedom. Therefore, never expect a result that is exactly what you would have achieved. You didn't do the task - you turned over the reins, remember. Don't fret too much. It is a vital stage of growth and the benefits are huge. Good delegation saves you time, develops a formidable team, motivates, builds loyalty and above all grooms successors.

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The Power of Perseverance

The Chess Game of Life
Business Planning Made Simple

Jumpstart your Engine
Improving Personal Productivity

Albert Einstein
Creative Problem Solving

Clockstoppers
Managing Time More Effectively

The Buck Stops Here
Effective Delegation

Conquering the Butterfly
Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

To Meet, or Not to Meet
Conducting Effective Meetings

The Power of One.More
Appointing an Assistant

All for One and One for All
Managing Teams

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Cross-Cultural Communications

The Art of Diplomacy
Delivering Negative Messages