Executives and managers are often left feeling frustrated when their staff doesn’t perform a task the way they expected. Then, quite often, managers learn the wrong and dangerous lesson. That is, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” We often lay the blame on the person we delegated to, believing they are not competent and as such, fail to meet your expectations and achieve the results you desired.
Stop and think about who would ultimately be accountable for any breakdown during the delegation process? Yes, it’s the person who’s delegating the task. To eliminate communication breakdowns permanently, we must take full accountability not only for the message we send, but for the message the other person receives. And that’s the good news because now, it’s 100% in your power to create the outcome you want in every conversation.
This frustration that ensues when your people don’t follow through and perform the way you expect can be eliminated by sharpening your communication and filling in the gaps that are often left open for interpretation. Here are the ten steps to delegate safely and effectively.
Step 1: Know the task
Know what the task is. (Delegate one task at a time. If you emphasize everything, you emphasize nothing.)Step 2: Determine the result
Have the end result/desired outcome you want to produce in mind. This level of clarity is critical in order to create alignment around what is expected.Step 3: Delegate
Find the right person you need to delegate to and give them the task.Step 4: Share
Share with them the results you desire.Step 5: Get feedback
Ask them why they feel this task is important. Once you uncover their point of view, fill in the blanks and share with them what they missed, that is, sharing with them any additional reasons as to why this task is important, it’s overall impact, as well as the role they play.Step 6: Find the benefits
Follow up Step 5 by asking them, “How can taking on this task benefit you?” What is the advantage for them to handle this project or task? Acknowledge not only their role but also how completing this task or project will benefit them. After all, every person, when asked to do something, try something or change something is immediately thinking, “What’s in it for me?” Making someone feel needed, included, and part of the team builds their skill set, confidence and helps them do a better job, rather than simply telling them what to do.Step 7: Ask how they'll approach and complete the task
Ask them how they plan on approaching and completing this task. Ask questions such as, “How have you handled something like this in the past?” “How would you go about handling/completing this?” The answers to these questions will determine if they are comfortable performing this task and whether or not they have the right tools, information, strategy, skills and knowledge needed to complete it. It will also help you uncover the gaps in their strategy, should their strategy be half-baked. Now, rather than run the risk of being redundant, you can listen for the gap in their thinking and solution. Then, simply fill in the gap or missing pieces that are needed to complete this task, or share with them what needs to be refined in their suggested solution or approach. (Caution: while doing this, be careful not to sound condescending. I.e.”So, repeat back what I just told you.”)Step 8: Timing
Determine the exact time frame that you want the task completed. Ask questions such as, “When do you feel you can complete this?” This creates ownership in the person’s mind to get it done, since they are creating the timeline themselves. (If the deadline they choose isn’t appropriate, ask, “What would you need in order to complete this task sooner?”)Step 9: Reconfirm
Reconfirm: To ensure, crystal clear communication and alignment in thinking, reconfirm what was discussed. That can sound like, “Okay great, so to reconfirm, you will be able to have ______done by ______ date?” Or “So, I can expect the paperwork on my desk by tomorrow at ____?” This will eliminate any costly assumptions or misinterpretation of the message on both sides, as well as clarify your expectations.Step 10: Follow up
Most important, make sure you follow up at the anticipated time the task was to be completed to ensure it was done. Otherwise, you run the risk of sending the wrong message to your direct report. Now, your direct report is thinking, “Well, since my boss didn’t follow up with me, it seems this wasn’t that important after all. I guess it’s okay not to complete what’s asked of me, since there’s no consequence anyway.” As such, you’re giving your people the out so they do not have to be accountable for completing what is asked of them. Now, they believe that it’s okay for tasks not to be completed!Remember, you can’t scale dependency. In order for you to focus on the more timely and important projects, tasks and goals, it requires letting go of being a control freak and trusting the people you work with. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a position where you’re not only doing your job, but now you’re taking on everyone else’s job and responsibilities. Following these ten steps to safe and effective delegation will help you build further accountability, confidence and trust within your team, while helping you maximize your skillset and leverage your time to focus on the activities that serve you best.
