Did you know delegation is an artform few are inherently good at? Delegating, like most things, requires practice to master. As a business owner and manager strengthening your ability to delegate will free up a good portion of your time. This will allow you to focus on critical business development tasks that require your attention and expertise. Understanding the steps to effectively delegate and the benefits of successful delegation will enable you to use this tool to increase your productivity and the productivity of your team, will allow you to better manage your time and resources, and will enable you to spend your time and energy where it is best served.
How to Effectively Delegate
When deciding what tasks should be delegated and to whom, it is important to first break the project into manageable tasks and subtasks. Once each task/subtask has been created, decide who is most qualified and suitable to complete each task and assign accordingly. Be sure to communicate your specific needs for each task and your expectations for completion clearly. Be available for clarifying your needs and requests once you have assigned each task/subtask, as questions may arise along the way. If it is a lengthy project with many tasks/subtasks and multiple assignees, it may be beneficial to have check-in points along the way to ensure everyone is on the same page and making the desired progress. Once the tasks/subtasks have been completed, be sure to provide feedback on each person’s performance. This is a great time to talk about what worked, what could be improved upon, and to thank all those who played a role in the project’s successful completion.
The Benefits of Delegating
Increased Productivity and Improved Results
Not only will delegating increase your productivity and allow you to focus your time and energy on the more strategic aspects of your business, but it will also increase the productivity of your entire team allowing you to accomplish more in less time. By assigning different tasks to different team members with different skill sets and strengths, you are optimizing your results and empowering your team to succeed.
Opportunities for Growth
Delegating tasks to other team members is also a good way to spur growth and provide learning opportunities. Perhaps a task that must be completed is not currently part of anyone’s repertoire but is something someone is interested in learning. This is the perfect opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zone and try something new! Provided the timeline is not too stringent, allow your team member the freedom to explore this new skill and gain confidence in a new area.
Reduced Stress
Removing things from your to-do list is a sure-fire way to reduce your stress level. Giving the proper tasks to the proper team members will also cut down on your team member’s stress levels, because everyone is being asked to perform tasks they are confident and comfortable performing. This should not only reduce your anxiety knowing each task is in good hands, but it will also boost your team’s morale and provide team members with a heightened sense of accomplishment and excellence.
Now that you have the knowledge and information necessary to begin your journey toward effective delegating, begin practicing this skill today. With increased practice and dedication, you can maximize your team’s productivity while simultaneously freeing up more of your time to focus on the growth and success of your business.
If you are swamped with the day-to-day operations of your business and looking for a team of experts to support you in your quest toward mastering the art of delegating, look no further! Remote COO is your small business COO. By minimizing the strain of running your business, we help you focus on what you do best. We promise a trusted and professional partnership through a collaborative, long-term relationship. Contact us to schedule a discovery call or visit our website at www.remotecoo.com for more information.