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Delegation is a key skill for any leader. In this video, we explore what delegation actually means, and then explore some strategies to help you delegate tasks appropriately . . .
Delegation is the act of assigning tasks, responsibilities, or authority to another person or group, usually with the intention of allowing them to take on more responsibility. It is a key tool you can use to improve the capabilities and skills of your staff. By giving employees greater responsibility, you are helping them grow as professionals and build their confidence. Delegation can also help free up time for you so you can focus on more important tasks. However, it is important that any delegation is done in an appropriate manner. Poorly managed delegation can lead to further stress for employees who may feel overwhelmed by additional workloads or lack support when taking on new tasks. Remember that the ultimate accountability for their completion is still yours. As the leader, it is your responsibility to keep a keen eye on progress and routinely check in with team members. Are they grasping their tasks? Do they require extra help or resources? If so, it's up to you to ensure these are provided. Moreover, if a task hasn't been completed properly or in due time, it's upon you to take actionable steps to resolve this. Think about a time when you were able to successfully delegate a task.
What were the benefits for you and your staff? But how do we delegate appropriately? Here are some steps and questions that you can ask to help.
Step 1: Identify what can be delegated.
Ask yourself questions like: What tasks can you delegate? What is the benefit of the task for both yourself and your employee? What is the cost of the task for both yourself and your employee? When is the deadline for the task?
Step 2: Identify who can it be delegated to? Ask yourself questions like: Who can you delegate tasks to? Do they have the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the task? Do they have the authority to take on the task? What is their capacity to do this? How will this affect their workload? Where does this fit with their aspirations?
Step 3: Decide how you will delegate. Ask yourself questions like: What are the lines of authority in your school and any constraints or rules? What information will they need to start the task? What additional resources and support might they need to finish the task?
Step 4. Plan for review. Ask yourself questions like: When will you check in to review progress? How will they report progress? What feedback should you give during these check-ins?
Step 5: Give feedback. Ask your staff questions like: What went well? Make sure to give rewards, recognition, and praise. What part of the task did they have difficulty with? What could be done better? What can be done next?
By taking these steps, you can ensure that delegation will be a win-win for you and your staff.