|
<<Back to Archives
Printer Friendly Version
Power Up Your Work Day by Effective Delegating
Yvonne Pouliot
ProAdvantage Synergy, Inc.
How often do the words “I wish I had more time in the day” slip from your lips? Of course you and I know we will not be able to change the amount of hours that make up a day. However, we can power up those 24 hours making our time much more productive. The answer is very simple: delegate. Here are some tips that will help you power up on your work day by effectively delegating:
1. Identify jobs that can be delegated and then delegate. Why? Because whenever you delegate you become more efficient and productive. As you delegate more and more tasks, the self-esteem and confidence of your staff increases and your stress level decreases.
2. Empower your staff. Most staff members are under utilized because no one has empowered them to step up to the plate. Acknowledge their skills and talents. Make them part of the team, after all they should be.
3. No staff? Many temp agencies have the resources for you to get that temporary help. If the budget is tight look into intern programs from different schools. You definitely will find eager students who welcome the experience and often at no cost to you. Remember both you and your hired help have an invested interest to succeed. All it takes is a little patience and coaching on your part and they will be well on their way.
4. Regardless of the source be it staff, temp agency or student, tell them exactly what you want them to do and the reasons you want them to do the task. Make sure they have all the tools and resources they need to do the job.
5. When delegating, delegate. Don't micro-manage. Discussing ideas and suggestions up front should give you a good feeling about capabilities and the thought process of the person helping you, as well as head off any potential problems. Micro management serves only one purpose: to invite resentment and mistrust of others toward you.
6. As the delegate, you will need to show patience and restraint. Establish a good rapport with your helper and make sure feedback is part of the process. Set up a time to get together and check progress. This will ensure the goal is kept in sight and concerns can be addressed.
7. Don't impose your standards on the person to whom you delegated the task to. It really is not the end of the world if the job is not done exactly the way you thought it should be. Be realistic and ask yourself does the project meet the established standards? If the answer is yes, then mission accomplished.
8. If you are tapped to assist someone who needs help, don't rush in and do it for them. Sometimes all it takes is five minutes of gentle probing as you coach them to come up with the solution. They will be so happy to have 'come up' with the solution that they will quickly tell you..."Thank you so much for your help, I can do this!" And guess what, you just delegated!
| 
