By Marlene Cosain
You are a new business owner, and everything has a better end result when it is done your way, right? Like the old saying goes, “If you want something done right, then do it yourself.” So, consequently being caught up in the world of running your own business and handling every task is most likely driving you crazy. Does this sound like your mentality or past experience? For the most part, it is the mindset of many relatively new business owners, but we can all admit to being this way at one point or another. Effective delegation is a key component of management skills that will benefit you in varies ways. It is not what you can do for your company, but what your own company can do for you.
Best Selling Author and entrepreneur, Brian Tracy, states, “Without the ability to delegate effectively, it is impossible for you to advance in management to higher positions of responsibility. The average person today is working at 50 percent of capacity. With effective management and delegation skills, you can tap into that unused 50-percent potential to increase your staff’s productivity.” So the question now is: how exactly do you delegate responsibility amongst your staff?
Decide What Tasks to Delegate
Your time and attention should be used to focus on crucial tasks that only you can handle. If there is an area that does not interest you, or would be better off in the hands of someone else, this is the task to delegate. When you delegate each task make sure that you have provided clear instructions on what is expected and a clear completion date.
Matching the Right Task to the Right Person
Perhaps one of the hardest things to do in the process is to choose who you will give more responsibility to. Forbes weighs in, “Listen and observe. Learn the traits, values, and characteristics of those who will perform well when you delegate to them. That means give the work to people who deliver, not the people who are the least busy.” With the task in mind, think about the traits your employees have and how your tasks can benefit from their skills. When first delegating a task, be patient with your staff. It will take them a bit longer to get things done, because you are the expert while they are still learning.
Another strategy to apply is to delegate the smaller tasks to your newer staff. By doing so, you are building their confidence and motivation. Consequently, your freshman employee will really feel that they are making an impact in the company.
What Not To Delegate
Delegating effectively saves us a lot of time, but there are certain components that can only be handled by yourself or a manager. For example, social events and interactions require your presence. Other things such as confidential matters, tensions between staff, performance feedback and disciplinary actions all require your awareness and participation.
Let go of the small things. Find that leverage you need. This will help you focus on high priority tasks.
