5.02 – Debunking The Myths about Delegation
There are many myths and misconceptions about delegation that can hinder your ability to manage effectively. It’s essential to address these myths to become a more efficient and successful manager.
You Can’t Trust Your Employees to Be Responsible
Trust is fundamental in any workplace. As a manager, you likely had a significant role in hiring your employees, selecting them for their skills, qualifications, and experience. If you can’t trust the people you’ve chosen, who can you trust?
Your employees deserve your trust. If they struggle with a task, investigate the cause. Do they need more training, time, or practice? Maybe the task doesn’t suit their skills. If someone isn’t a fit for their role, it’s crucial to reassign or let them go. To foster responsible employees, you must give them responsibility.
You’ll Lose Control of a Task and Its Outcome
Effective delegation doesn’t mean losing control of the task or its outcome; it means losing control over the method used to achieve the outcome. Think of a map with many routes from San Francisco to Paris. Some are faster, others more scenic, but none are inherently wrong.
In business, there are multiple ways to complete a task. Your role is to define the desired outcome and let your employees decide how to get there. Be available for guidance, but allow them the freedom to innovate and improve processes.
You’re the Only One with All the Answers
No single person can have all the answers, especially in a team environment. Your employees interact with customers, suppliers, and each other daily, gaining valuable insights and experiences.
Ignoring their suggestions and advice is disrespectful and shortsighted. Leverage the collective knowledge and experience of your team to make better decisions and improve your business.
You Can Do the Work Faster by Yourself
It might seem faster to do tasks yourself, but this is an illusion. Initially, discussing and delegating a task takes more time, but once delegated, it saves you significant time in the future.
By doing everything yourself, you trap yourself in a cycle of endless tasks. Delegating tasks allows your employees to learn and eventually perform them faster and potentially better than you. This frees up your time for more critical responsibilities.
Delegation Dilutes Your Authority
Delegation actually extends your authority. When you delegate tasks, you empower your employees to contribute to the organization’s goals. Your role shifts from doing to managing, setting goals, and timelines while allowing your team to figure out the best path.
Delegating tasks doesn’t diminish your authority; it amplifies it by creating an efficient and effective workforce. Empowered employees are more engaged and motivated, contributing to the overall success of the business.
You Relinquish the Credit for Doing a Good Job
Transitioning from a doer to a manager involves shifting focus from personal achievements to team successes. Your success as a manager is measured by your ability to achieve goals through the efforts of others.
Wise managers understand that when their employees succeed, they succeed. Publicly recognizing your team’s achievements motivates them to continue performing well and strengthens their commitment to your leadership.
Delegation Decreases Your Flexibility
Handling everything yourself doesn’t make you more flexible; it limits your ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. When you’re bogged down with tasks, you can’t respond to new opportunities or emergencies.
Delegating tasks increases your flexibility. Your employees handle routine tasks, allowing you to focus on unexpected issues and strategic opportunities. This approach ensures that your business runs smoothly while you remain agile and responsive.
Conclusion
Delegation is a crucial skill for any manager. By debunking these common myths, you can enhance your management effectiveness, empower your employees, and ensure the long-term success of your business. Embrace delegation as a powerful tool to achieve your business goals and create a more dynamic and productive work environment.
