Aside from the psychological anguish, cut backs create another set of difficulties: The need to get tasks done with fewer employees. This requires existing staff to take on new and sometimes unfamiliar duties and responsibilities.

Delegating is an art. The skill of the business owner to effectively delegate can go a long way toward maintaining staff morale and productivity.

Most Owners Resist Delegation

Many business owners and managers I coach resist delegating responsibilty and with good reason. They have been burned, let down and disappointed in the past. People make promises and have not come through. The owners experience dictates the following:

• If you want it done right, do it yourself.
• Nobody cares as much as I do.
• It's quicker to just do it myself.
• Employees never seem to get it right
• I shouldn't have to tell them. It’s just common sense!

These are the thoughts and concerns that drive owners to hover over employees, micro-managing their every step. Ruminating over these thoughts is both stressful and the source of many a sleepless night.

So what's the way out? What strategies would help quiet the mind, produce more consistent results, and allow businesses to grow consistently and predictably?

Five Strategies to put You on the Path Toward Effective Delegation.

Ask, Don't Tell

When you delegate you collaborate. Respectfully ask an employee to perform a task, don't order him or her. When asked, I find that the vast majority of employees are delighted to take on additional tasks. It gives them greater responsibility, enables them to add value to the company, and enhances their sense of self.

Match the Task to the Position.

Be sure the assigned task is within the general scope of the job description of the employee.

Get Progress Reports: Feedback Loops

Be sure to receive feedback during the process so that you are assured the work is progressing as agreed upon. These 'reporting loops' provide managers the certainty that the work is being performed as expected, eliminating the need to micro-manage. A simple e-mail, a consistent check-in, or completed checklists are examples of efficient and effective feedback loops. Be sure the feedback is provided with sufficient time to take effective action should an employee drop the ball.

Give the Staff What They Need to Succeed

Make it your responsibility to provide employees with the training and resources needed to produce the agreed upon result. If they lack the time, help them to prioritize their activities to produce the requested delegation. When delegating, be sure your employees have the tools to win!

Delegate in Writing.

Add credibility and power to your requests by putting them in writing whenever possible. It creates clarity, minimizes confusion and helps insure everyone is on the same page.

Regardless of the economic climate, effective delegation is an important managerial skill. During a recession it is critical. Clients who embrace these strategies attest to their effectiveness. They are often surprised at how open and willing staff is to take on new tasks and go the extra mile for the team. [return to top]