4 Key Stages of Delegation

Benefits of Delegation:
Before we look at how to delegate effectively, let's have a look at what is in it for you.

1. It is a powerful skill used by all successful entrepreneurs
2. Not just about telling people what to do, there is much more to it than that
3. Your input to your business, both in terms of time and expertise, is always limited
4. You can learn to delegate your work in a professional and effective way
5. Done well, it reduces your workload
6. Improves the skills of people you're working with, hence makes them a more valuable asset
7. It gives you more time to work on your business and to explore other opportunities
8. It allows you to leverage other people's skills, time and effort
9. It isn't just selfish, everyone benefits from the exchange
10. It is a way of making other people happy, while making you rich

What is Delegation?
Let's now have a look at what delegation really is.
First of all, delegation is not

• Task assignment
• Assigning unwanted work
• Assign & reclaim it later when you're free
• Dumping
• Abdication (you're still responsible for outcomes)

Now we can define what delegation is.

• Entrusting responsibility & authority to complete a clearly defined and agreed upon task
• You retain responsibility
• Getting your work done through other people, but you remain accountable for the outcome

In other words, you are still.

1. responsible
2. accountable
3. setting the standards
4. setting the outcomes
5. staying in control

The Four Stage Delegation Process:
Effective delegation is a series of interdependent steps and actions, which allow for the proper intent of the delegation to be communicated.
1. Prepare to delegate
2. Practical delegation meeting
3. Monitoring the job (standards, targets etc.)
4. Evaluating the delegation
Delegation Overview:
The first element, is to decide what exactly you want to delegate. And being precise about it is very important, as without precision, you cannot move onto the next point, which is.
Now you know what you want to delegate you have to determine the results you're expecting. These will vary depending on the delegated task.
Next you have to pick the right person. Are they already working for you? Will you have to look for an external person? Are you looking for an employee or a temporary person?
You now have to set the milestones associated with the job. How will it be measured and monitored?
You also have to decide how you want it accomplished. Is there a special skill required? Or is there some unique way you want the work carried out? Will the person need additional training to accomplish the task?
How are you going to communicate with your delegate? Are you expecting feedback or monitoring their performance? If so, how and when?
You may also have to decide on the level of delegation for more complex tasks.
Summary:
As you can see delegation is a skill, it is not just handing off a piece of work and leaving people to it. However, it is an important business skill which is worth developing, as it frees up your time and let's you leverage your talents.