Leadership Tip

How to delegate effectively

Most managers complain of having too much to do, but very few of them effectively delegate work. In fact, delegation is one of the most underutilised and underdeveloped management capabilities. Delegation is covered on 10/10, our acclaimed leadership development and mentoring programme, but, for now, here are three ways to do it more:

  1. Identify the problem. You may not realise that you're unnecessarily hoarding work. Look for warning signs. For example, are you working long hours and feel indispensable, while your staff keeps regular hours?
     
  2. Remind yourself. Keep a visual reminder of your team's development goals so you can easily identify opportunities to delegate. A comprehensive list on your desktop or smartphone should work.
     
  3. Ask others to hold you accountable. Give your direct reports permission to call you out when you haven't delegated something you should.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from the Guide to Getting the Right Work Done. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.

 

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How to turn employees into advocates

Turning employees into advocates is a powerful way to build your company’s reputation and drive growth. When employees genuinely believe in the company, its values, and its mission, they naturally become strong advocates, both internally and externally.... read more

How to stay cool during feedback

No one enjoys hearing that they’re not meeting expectations, but constructive feedback is a valuable tool for growth. The next time you get feedback, keep your composure and focus on these three key strategies to make the most of it: Stay calm... read more

How to handle a colleague you dislike

Handling a colleague you dislike can be tricky, but it's important to approach the situation with professionalism, emotional intelligence, and a focus on the work environment. Here are some strategies to help you manage the relationship: Manage... read more