“Trust”,
“Control”,
“We find sick pleasure in being busy”,
“Easier to do it yourself”,
“Problematic results”,
“Time”,
“I can do it better”,
“I want it done right”,
“The task is too important”,
“Failure to train properly”,
This is how a group of construction leaders responded recently when I asked them why they struggle to delegate.
I’m sure this sounds familiar to you, but how do you become a better delegator?
Every time you delegate, here are three questions you have to answer “YES”:
1. Have I been clear?
If your direct reports don’t understand WHAT you’re asking them to do, don’t be surprised if they fail to do it.
2. Are they capable?
They can understand what you want them to do, but if they don’t know HOW to do it, it won’t get done.
3. Do they have the capacity?
You have a go-to person. The gal or guy that always gets stuff done. The problem is, you give them too much to do, they never say “NO”, and they get overwhelmed and underperform.
If you answer YES to each question, you’ll be able to get stuff off your plate to your direct reports.
This will free up your time to focus on the critical activities that only you can do.
This will make you an effective leader.
Here’s how to immediately put this into action:
1. Take one task that you always do, that you know someone else should be doing.
2. CLEARLY outline the task, its purpose, and how to perform it.
3. Pick a person who has the CAPABILITY and the CAPACITY to do the task.
4. Give them full authority to do the task.
5. Follow up with them and make sure they do the task.
