The Four Keys to Good Delegation

“A boy carries out suggestions more wholeheartedly when he understands their aim.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

Is there anything more frustrating and difficult as when you are asked to do something and have no idea just what is expected.  I believe we should always give more to the job than what is expected of us, however, if we do not know the expectations to begin with, how can we do more?  Whether you are delegating a task or have a task delegated to you, here are four keys that will help the task to be done, done quickly, and done well.

Key #1.  What is it the needs to be done?

                Be clear about just what the task that needs to be done is.  General terms might help you in telling others to get a job done but it does not help them.  Clarity will also help prevent someone from doing the wrong task.  Let's say that the request is that your staff provide better customer service.  What exactly needs to be done?  If it that they need to be more pleasant and helpful?  Do they need to have better results in making the customer happy?  In what area do they need to improve and in what are they strong. 

Key #2.  Why are they doing it?

                Let me state clearly here, "Because I said so" is not an answer.  When people understand why they are doing a task they will not only do it better but will enjoy the process more.  When I worked for a major outdoor museum, one of the things that was expected of the staff, from the president down to the ticket takers, was to pick you any and all trash they saw on the ground at all times.  I was made clear to all that by doing so we heightened the visitor's experience and we looked like the high quality place we were.  Because we all knew this, it became a habit and everyone gladly took part.

Key #3.  How is it to be done?

                This has a fine line that a good leader does not wish to cross.  It is good to train and instruct people on how they are expected to do their jobs, however, you never want to micro manage your workers.  I believe that if you can help people understand the "why" a task needs to be done, they will find the best "how" to do it.  People work differently and you should allow them to do things their way, provided the end result is what is expected from them.

Key #4.  Who should be doing the job?

                A good worker will not appreciate going to do a job and find that someone else has already done it.  When you delegate a task, be sure to give it to one person or one team and make it clear to all whose responsibility it is.  It is also important that you give tasks to those whose strengths will do the best work.  Never set a person or a team up to fail, always be sure that you are getting the most from people because they have the most to give.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey