Become A Better Delegator

We’re so buried in our daily tasks and what’s coming out way, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Everything is on your shoulders.

But, did you know, you can take some things off of your shoulders? You can allow other people to help you.

People at a table with notepads

Photo by Dylan Gillis

This is called delegation.

And it is magical.

Delegation allows you to ask for help and give your team members something to do. The delegation of tasks also helps you to “effectively” multiple your working hours.

By giving Bill the authority to create weekly meeting reports, you free up one hour of work you can put towards more meaningful work. Now, if you give your assistant Tina the task of managing your calendar, you can free up another hour.

You can effectively gain back lost hours or create hours in your day by the not-so-simple process of delegation.

So, how do you become a better delegator? Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to improve.

Become A Better Delegator

1. Create a list of the tasks you do on a regular basis:

You need to know what needs to be done before you can begin delegating the tasks. Every day for the next two weeks, I want you to pick up your pen and write out what you’re doing before or after you complete a task.

This list will grow pretty long. You will begin to realize all of the things you’re doing. Some of the tasks you’re doing you may not even realize you’re doing!

Your list will be your starting point.

2. Mark the tasks that only you can do:

There are tasks that you’re doing today that you and only you can do. Then there are many tasks you’re doing because they fell on your plate.

These are the tasks we want to identify. By marking the tasks that only you can do, you can create a visual representation of your tasks and tasks that can be delegated.

Do you see where we’re going with this?

3. See who can do the tasks:

You know what you do day in and day out. The list in front of you. You also know what tasks only you can do and what tasks are eating up your time.

Now, it is time to figure out who can do the tasks.

Look at your team. Who has the bandwidth? Make a list of those team members.

Who has the ability? Some of the tasks on your list will need skilled people to accomplish them. Figure out who has the skill.

4. Begin training:

Training your team members to take over the tasks you’re doing is going to be a three-step process.

The first step is documenting your workflow. You need to have a clear understanding of how you’re tackling these tasks and what you expect from your team. Document exactly how you want the tasks done.

The second step is to begin training your team members. This is where many people get frustrated with delegating tasks. They believe they will spend too much time in training. However, you have to remember you train once and reap the benefits continually.

The third step is to check up on your team members. You can’t hand off the tasks you want to be delegated and then never check in. You have to be willing to check in and make sure they’re being done to an acceptable level.

5. Reap the benefits:

You’re at the last step of becoming a better delegator. You realized what tasks you can delegate. You’ve determined who can do the task. And you’re making sure things are getting done.

Now, it is time for you to reap the benefits.

Your efforts in delegating the tasks you’re not effective at will reap benefits for years to come. You will be able to do the tasks you’re more capable of completing and free up time to do more of those tasks.

Reap the benefits. You’ve earned it.

Question: What benefits have you reaped from delegating? Let’s share our victories in the comments below.

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