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Time Boosters: The Art of Delegation
by Mari Peckham
It is impossible for any of us to do everything. Managing your time effectively means
entrusting some of your workload to coworkers,
assistants, subordinates, business service, technology, and even members of your family.
This can be easier said than done. We can get trapped in the "It's easier to just do
it myself" state of mind. And, quite honestly, often
it is. Delegation can take time and effort. It's not simply a matter of
"dumping" tasks in to the lap of others. But, in the long run, proper
delegation will make your life run much more smoothly.
Delegating well is an art that can be learned by you! Keep these points in mind as you
delegate duties to others and soon you will find that it is an art that you have mastered!
*AUTOMATE! Let computers, answering machines, voice mail and other technology take over
the tasks that they can. If you don't know how to use the various equipment in your
office...LEARN!
*EXCHANGE FAVORS with others for routine tasks. Daily duties such as copying, reading or
clipping articles, answering clients' questions can get done easily by making arrangements
with coworkers that have the same tasks.
*FARM OUT time-consuming chores, such as mailings and envelope-stuffing, to business
services. If you don't have the authority to make decisions such as this, suggest it to
your boss. Tasks like these can often be completed more time and cost efficiently by
services, and can increase the productive time of other staff members.
*TRAIN others to do the jobs you can delegate. Think through exactly how you want the job
to be done, then spell out your
expectations clearly and specifically.
*SHOW, DON'T TELL! Demonstrate the way that want things done. Then, have your delegatee
show you what you have shown
them. This should clear up any misunderstanding before they have a chance to become a
problem.
*CONSIDER THE ABILITIES OF OTHERS and the pace at which they work, then set your
expectations accordingly.
*CUT THE APRON STRINGS! Once you have shown people how things should be done let go of the
feeling that it is your job to provide them with additional information.
*BE AVAILABLE when needed to clarify directions, answer questions, check work, and show
support and appreciation.
*GIVE THEM INDEPENDANCE! It is the end results that matter, not the methods. As long as
things are moving in the right
direction, let them do it their way.
*REVIEW PROGRESS of delegated tasks. At the time that you delegate the duty, plan on check
in dates and write them on your calendar. When the day comes, check on the progress that
has been made. This gives you the opportunity to clarify directions, review deadlines, or
reassign tasks, if necessary.
*KEEP RECORDS of jobs that you have delegated, and any related facts, so that you are able
to react proactively to set backs such as a delegatee's illness, absenteeism, departure,
or loss of important information.
*TRUST OTHER PEOPLE'S ABILITY TO DO THE JOB! If you feel confident in the information that
you have given your delegatee, and the manner in which you presented it to them, the trust
your decision to delegate to that particular person or group.
In summary, delegation can take time. More times than not, it is easier and quicker to do
tasks yourself. However, by taking the time to delegate and train people, you increase
their productivity, and ultimately, boost your free time.
© 2000 Mari Peckham
About the Author:
Mari Peckham is the President of Peckham Enterprises and
webmistress of PowerPromoPlus, your online advertising
solution at:
http://www.powerpromoplus.com
To subscribe to her online advertising tips, tools and
techniques ezine, Advertise_Online, send any email to:
mailto:advertise_online-subscribe@egroups.com
or visit:
http://www.powerpromoplus.com/advertise_online.htm
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