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Delegating for Success

In early September, Dave Stachowiak, the author and producer of the Coaching for Leaders Podcast, did a mini series on delegating to achieve results. After listening to the series, it’s evident how challenging it is for high-level leaders to delegate functions of the organization. Not only do leaders feel they need to complete all tasks, but they also feel it must be completed at a specific standard. Letting go of responsibility can be a significant challenge for leaders. Below are specific ways to delegate for success and results: 

  1. Evaluate: All leaders should evaluate the most important aspects of their jobs, and where they should focus their time. Many leaders spend too much time on items that don’t matter and not enough on areas of significant impact. Evaluating their efforts narrows down the most impactful use of leaders’ time and energy.
  2. Focus on People: Take stock in the entire organization and determine who is capable of completing the necessary work. Coach them, mentor them, and encourage them to continually improve their skills. It’s critical that leaders build trust with these people as they will complete important work and move the organization forward.  
  3. Define Finished: One critical aspect of delegating is to define finished. Sometimes items may be quick, short memos while others are more comprehensive responsibilities. It’s important to share with employees the definition of done. In addition, leaders must be willing to accept a product slightly different from their way of completing it as long as it meets a set standard. 
  4. Set the Standard: While defining what done looks like is a good start, leaders must also communicate a clear standard for the finished product. Leaders should provide a list of key requirements. It’s also really helpful for leaders to provide a specific example of the finished product, so others can work to achieve that standard.
  5. Feedback: It’s really helpful for leaders to collaborate and check in with the project at certain points along the way. The leader can provide real-time feedback to help the project improve. Once people deliver finished products, then it’s time to continue coaching them in order to deliver a better result the next time around. Great leaders must always coach and lead people to improve and deliver quality results. 

Delegating for leaders is a challenging skill to develop and implement. People in high-level leadership positions have always been successful doing tasks a certain way and to a certain standard. It’s challenging to allow others to take control and support achieving results. Delegating is critical for leaders who want sustained careers and continued success for their organizations. 

How do you delegate for success when in a leadership position?