by Tony Alessandra

The ability to delegate sets leaders apart from followers. That is because many people find it difficult to give up control. Delegating duties and responsibilities is essential in today's downsized organizations. The following key points will help you master the art of delegation.

Find the right person for the project. Do not assign the project to just any warm body - unless any outcome is acceptable. If you want the job done right, however, you must find the right person for the job. If none exists, find the most capable person and train him or her well.

Delegate authority and accountability. The worst thing you can do is delegate a task and then tie a person's hands. If you have picked the right person or trained someone well, you must then give that person authority so the job can be done without your supervision. If you have to minutely supervise the project, you have not truly delegated it. In addition, you should make the person accountable for the quality of the work performed.

Make the task perfectly clear. Carefully explain the nature of the project to the person you are giving responsibility. This may be done verbally or in writing, depending on the complexity of the task. The newer and more complex the task, the more questions the person you are giving responsibility will have. Answer all questions promptly and thoroughly.

Agree on a deadline. When the person to whom you are delegating fully understands your expectations, both of you are in a position to determine a mutually acceptable deadline.

Review and coach. There is a learning curve associated with any new activity. During this time, you should periodically review the other person's progress and offer additional coaching if needed.

Lay the groundwork for more delegation. Once you get your feet wet, you will find more things that can be done by others to free up your time. Begin training people to assist you in more operations and you will find yourself with more time to do what you do best.

Copyright (c) 1996-2006 Alessandra & Associates, Inc. Dr. Tony Alessandra can be reached at http://www.alessandra.com

In my coaching practice, many clients ask for help with delegating. They know they need to do it but... Tony gives some great steps to follow for delegating that will free up your time. Two key points that need to be remembered. Just because you state a deadline doesn't mean the other person agrees to it. Agreeing on a deadline is a key step. Just because the receiver is nodding doesn't mean they accept. Take the time to address the person's other priorities and to set realistic expectations. Get verbal agreement on the deadline. The second point of reviewing and coaching is also critical. Don't let the project get to the deadline without checking in unless you like living with a lot of stress. Best to get progress reports and actually see how the work is coming. Check out the thinking process being used. This week try these ideas for delegating and see what changes.

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