Shun that `nobody can do better' attitude
A GOOD manager delegates prudently, but most managers are reluctant to assign tasks to their subordinates. This is because they feel competent and self-sufficient. If something needs to be done, it is best done by them. They believe that nobody can do better.
This strategy can work if you as a manager have to deal with a few tasks but as the tasks increase in volume you will find yourself tied down with work making you stressed out. The wise alternative would be to delegate appropriately. Let us look at some of the reasons that make managers think twice before deciding to delegate:
No one else can do the job as quickly or efficiently
Even if others do the tasks, there are chances of mistakes
The manager can be accused of shirking responsibility
Delegation may require investment of time and energy in training others
Some of these reasons may be valid enough but the advantages of delegation are many as well. Delegation reduces your workload considerably giving you sufficient time to monitor. Monitoring is important as it helps avert errors. Taking on too much will show on the quality of your work. .
Delegation gives you a chance to take on other more important work, which will increase your contribution to the organisation. Also when you delegate you give your subordinates an opportunity to learn new skills, shoulder responsibilities and grow in the organisation. As a result, your subordinates get promotions while you will be pushed higher up in the hierarchy. Effective delegation increases your reputation as an efficient team leader and a good manager who can get the best out of his team.
Towards effective and result-oriented delegation:
You can start by delegating simple tasks and then move to allocating bigger responsibilities. This will ensure that you spend less time on teaching employees on how to perform the tasks and also decrease the chances of mistakes. Initially you may have to spend time training the person and educate him on the nitty-gritty of the work. But this initial investment of time will bring you good returns in the future in terms of increasing the competency of subordinates while you move on.
As a manager it is your job to ensure that the delegated tasks are successfully completed. For this you need to set clear expectations and deadlines. While you decide on the desired outcomes, be sure to give your team members the requisite freedom to carry out the tasks and use their creative abilities. Also clarify on the amount of authority and resources they can use to accomplish the tasks assigned.
A manager has to review the performance of the employees and the quality of their work based on key performance indicators. Hence, constant follow-up is necessary after delegation to see to it that employees are doing their jobs. It may also open your eyes to new ways of doing things. Feedback is crucial; so tell your team members what they are doing well and also the areas of improvement periodically. You can suggest alternatives if certain things can be done in a better way, this will improve your team's self-confidence and make them do a better job of it the next time round.
The art of delegation is very important to a manager in his journey up the corporate ladder. Delegation has a double benefit; while it increases your ability to take on more important tasks it reduces your workload. Eventually it increases the sense of satisfaction in your subordinates as they undertake new responsibilities.
So the first step towards becoming an efficient manager would be effective delegation.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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