How do you achieve effective delegation? Dr. G. Michael Durst, in Management by Responsibility, says: It is “…the achievement by a manager of definite, specified results.”
Durst suggests that prior to delegating you will have thought about, crystallized and defined the specific results that you are seeking. Make time to think about what you are delegating and the what you wish to achieve, then write them out.
Effective delegation requires clarity about “…results previously determined on the basis of a priority of needs.”
You identify certain goals and expectations to meet the current needs of the business, so consider what you can delegate and who can best champion that project.
Effective Delegation
“Effective delegation empowers and motivates staff members to accomplish all or part of the specific results for which the manager has final accountability.”
Empowerment is delegating the authority to accomplish a goal – a goal for which you are ultimately responsible. You give someone else the job to do, but the responsibility for the final result remains yours, so your reputation depends on getting it right.
“The specific results for which the staff members are accountable are clearly delineated in advance in terms of output required and time allowed and the staff members’ progress is measured continuously during the time period.”1
Define a measurable expectation, then be clear that progress will be tracked and include regular feedback to make corrections if things are getting off track. Handing a task off and forgetting about it isn’t effective delegation; it’s abdication.
Successful Delegation
Successful delegation is based upon an agreement, so both parties agree:
- What results are to be achieved
- Who is responsible and accountable for producing results
- The specific time frame
- On the delegation level of authority
- To measure performance and provide feedback
- That you each accept responsibility for doing your part to achieve the results
- To provide additional guidance as required
- What they should stop doing in order to free up time
Done poorly, delegation can lead to disaster, however, done well, it frees you to do other important tasks – like working ON the business and growing the bench strength of your team.
For more tips on how to achieve effective delegation, take a look at our leadership programs.
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