Review the Process

Use what you learn from each delegation to increase your effectiveness in assigning work to your staff and others, as well as in teaching delegating skills to your colleagues.

Evaluate completed assignments

As delegated assignments are completed, take the time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Jot down what you would do differently next time.

Next, schedule a debriefing with the person you delegated to, and review lessons learned from this assignment. These guidelines will help you use what you discuss to improve future delegation:

• Ask for feedback on how the assignment worked out.

• Recognize achievements and provide positive reinforcement for tasks done well.

• Compare results with the agreed-upon deadlines and expectations.

• Avoid criticism and blame for any problems, but discuss possible improvements for future projects.

• If appropriate, create an action plan to support your direct report’s growth through ongoing coaching or supplemental training.

Finally, take steps to ensure that the person you delegated to receives recognition—not only from you, but from others who benefited from the successful completion of the work, including your peers, your manager, and members of supporting teams.

Teach delegating skills to others

Developing your staff is as essential to your job as achieving your group’s financial goals. When you don’t take advantage of delegating opportunities, you block the advancement of your staff, which can leave them resentful and disengaged.

Consider how you might share delegating skills you’ve learned with other team leaders in your unit or division—in particular, newly designated managers. The following suggestions can help you strengthen delegation skills across your organization:

• Lead by example. Trust and empower rookie team leaders by delegating to them, which in turn should make it easier for them to delegate assignments to their direct reports.

• Encourage risk taking. Show, by example, how taking small risks to play to staff strengths pays off. Early successes build confidence.

• Identify what to delegate. Help team leaders divide complex projects into manageable chunks with clear milestones.

Becoming proficient at delegating work can enhance your effectiveness as a manager, open opportunities for your staff members, and benefit your organization. Seek out additional information on delegating, and continue to sharpen your skills.