Delegating is perhaps one of the core skills required to be a successful manager, alongside a host of other invaluable interpersonal talents. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult endeavors to undertake, especially for a new manager just starting out as the lead on a new project. If you happen to have recently found yourself in a similar position, there is no need to panic, because delegating done right can make everyone’s working day run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Here are some points you may wish to consider in order to help you make the right decisions when the time finally arrives to get delegating.
Trust in the Team
Managers who struggle to delegate sufficiently do so for a multitude of reasons, including the fear of choosing the wrong person for the job. This is not a completely unfounded fear it must be said, but a good manager is usually more than willing to take the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.
In this regard, trusting in your team’s abilities can be an incredibly important point to remember. Employees often relish the chance to shine and take on their own tasks, as it can enable them to realize their own sense of responsibility and freedom.
Knowing When to Outsource
Even if you possess a deep knowledge and a vast amount of experience, doing everything yourself is often not the best course of action. Knowing which services to outsource is simply another aspect of being a tuned-in manager, and sometimes leaving your requirements in the hands of seasoned professionals is the best way to ensure that your team’s productivity output reaches an optimum.
Outsourcing your IT management services to reliable experts is one such example of an area that can save you time and money while simultaneously ensuring your daily operations are thoroughly covered.
You Cannot Hope to do Everything
Relinquishing a portion of your duties can be a daunting task, especially for those of you who know exactly what needs to be done. To learn how to delegate properly is to acknowledge that even if you are the hardest working employee in the history of the world, you cannot do everything by yourself.
This is good news, however, as by splitting up the tasks between your team members you can avoid negative work effects like burnout and disillusionment.
Listen to Your Team’s Concerns and Suggestions
Listening is one of the greatest tools in a competent manager’s box of tools. By actively listening to your team’s suggestions, you can start to develop a wider picture of what needs to be done, and who is the best person for the job.
If you feel as though an employee is struggling with their tasks, or you feel like someone would be better suited to a different part of the project, then talking to them can help to spare everyone from stress and anxiety later on down the line.
Covering all bases is important in the delicate art of delegation, so making sure you are well-acquainted with everyone’s roles and the local hierarchy is a superb place to start.
