012. How to Delegate
Getting your team to get stuff done without being a dictator.
Effective delegation is essential for any leader looking to build a strong and successful team. (Did you hear about the leader who tried to delegate a task to a cat? It was a cat-astrophe!) In all seriousness, delegation is a crucial skill for any leader to master. In this edition of TTLD, we’ll explore some tips for effective delegation that won't leave you feeling like you're herding cats.
It's more needed than you know
As a leader, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that you need to do everything yourself to ensure it's done correctly. However, this is simply not feasible or sustainable. Delegating tasks not only frees up your time to focus on higher-level responsibilities, but also helps to develop the skills and confidence of your team members.
Practice recognizing the tasks you don't have the time or resources to accomplish yourself. Time blocking is one especially effective way to do this: if you schedule your day by the tasks you want to complete, it can help make it apparent when you're putting too much on your plate. Delegate the items that aren't critical for you to do.
By empowering your team to take on new challenges and responsibilities, you're investing in their growth and the future success of your organization.
Don't worry, you're not a dictator
Delegating tasks can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're used to doing everything yourself. This is a common state of mind for many technical leaders, especially those who come from a background of bootstrapping startups.
It's important to remember that delegation is not about micromanaging or being a dictator. Instead, it's about trusting your team members to do their best work and providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed. Actually, your team wants (and needs!) you to tell them what to do. Clear expectations and guidance ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work towards a common goal.
Be clear, concise, and courteous
When delegating tasks, it's crucial to be clear about what you want to be done, why it needs to be done, and when it needs to be completed.
This not only helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page, but also allows your team members to plan and prioritize their work effectively.
Remember, delegation is a two-way street, and communication is key. Listen to what your team members need from you, and provide direction in a clear, concise, and courteous way. This helps to build trust and foster positive working relationships.
Take it to work today:
Delegating tasks frees up your time, but also helps to develop the skills and confidence of your team members. Practice time-blocking to determine which tasks to delegate.
Trust your team members to take on new challenges and responsibilities. By doing so, you're investing in their growth and the future success of your organization.
Remember to communicate clearly, be respectful, and provide the necessary support and resources to help your team succeed.
Happy delegating!