Not everyone can do everything all of the time. It seems simple, but so many of us aren’t very good at asking for help. If you feel stressed and overloaded or think your career is beginning to stall, it might be time to brush up on those delegation skills!
Giving up difficult tasks to your employees may seem like a nightmare at first, but it’s important to swallow your pride in order to manage your workload and improve productivity. Remember, there are only so many hours in a day!
So if you’re CEO who wants to stop working 24/7, or a HR Manager who can see that sharing tasks is the way to go, here are my three top tips for effective delegation.
Divide And Prioritize Tasks
This revolutionized my routine! At the start of every day, make a list of all the tasks that need your attention. Then, give each task a mark out of ten with one being you’re not comfortable delegating, a five meaning you can delegate this task if you give someone a small amount of background info beforehand, and ten meaning this task can and SHOULD be delegated straight away.
By doing this every morning, I know how many tasks I can delegate over email, how many jobs I can delegate, which will require a quick phone call, so my employee knows precisely what I need from them, and how many tasks I have that only I can focus on. These more critical jobs automatically become my top priority, simply because they’re the only tasks I have left! With this system, the essential jobs are completed with my full, undivided attention.
Be Clear, Concise And Cordial
When I outline a task, I always remember the THREE Cs. I need to be clear. What is it that I want? How do I want it done, and when do I want it done by? I also need to be concise. I don’t want to over-explain a project as that’ll lead to more questions than answers. If I’ve explained a task poorly, I find myself interrupting my colleagues and dispensing further advice.
Whenever I get into this situation, I immediately apply the brakes. By not leaving a task alone, I defeat the purpose of delegation. Instead, I return to my list of jobs for the day and reset my mind.
Finally, be cordial. Remember, your organization is a team! Show your staff members that you’re grateful for their help with meaningful thank yous once a job is completed. By involving your employees in increasingly complex tasks, they’ll feel far more valued and believe they’re crucial parts of your organization.
Hire A Transformative Coach
This is where I come in! I can help you revolutionize your work life whether you’re at the top of your company’s food chain or just starting out. I support individuals in reaching new growth levels, achievement, and success with Transformative Coaching, tools, and experience in a thoughtful and reflective way. Every individual is unique, and this process is highly collaborative to support your ideal life.
Transformative Coaching champions self-reflection, strengthens healthy boundaries, and supports defining one’s unique life. I’ve helped my clients find their next career, take their business idea to market, and have more fulfilling relationships. They’ve reached higher levels of success and satisfaction. They’ve had the energy to master the complexities of their work and life – and yes, they’ve become better delegates too!
Are you ready to partner?
Check out what I can do for you, and let’s start working together!
