LEARN A LITTLE:
Some Common Mistakes in Delegating Tasks
I was talking with a colleague recently and he was lamenting the shortcomings of delegation, namely that delegated tasks were shoddy and often incomplete. Perhaps there is an explanation.
My purpose here is not to discuss the art and craft of delegation, but rather to pass along some common errors in delegation that are frequently overlooked. Some questions to ask:
1). Does the person have the necessary skills, experience and/or background to complete the task?
2). Does the person understand the assignment? Can he or she say it back to you?
3). Does the person understand the timeframe—as soon as possible won’t get you what you want. If a lengthy assignment, are periodic “check ins” scheduled?
4). Does the person understand the quality expectation, scope of work? Is there a need for a necessary budgetary conversation?
5). Is the delegated task complex enough to ask for a plan of action? Does it need to be approved by you before going further?
6). Does the person taking on the delegated task have access to all the information needed to complete the task?
Finally, pay attention to “how” you delegate and also to the demeanor of the person to whom you are delegating—at the time you are delegating the task. Does your delegation behavior need some work as well?
Good Luck.
LAUGH A LITTLE:
REFLECT A LITTLE:
Proverbs 9:11
Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
READ A LITTLE
Your Wellbeing Blueprint
Feeling Good and Doing Well at Work
Michelle McQuaid and Peggy Kern
Who doesn’t want to feel good and do well? In this easy to read book, McQuaid and Kern unfold the tenets of Well-being that positive psychology research demonstrates—likeability, energy and vitality, productivity and health and happiness—to name a few.
The book does not offer a magic bullet or secret sauce of success, but rather instructs the reader in the goal of developing positive daily habits across six important dimensions of our life (called pillars), positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and health.
