Prioritize Your Plate Before Taking on More
As a leader or manager, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a never-ending list of tasks and responsibilities. However, learning to delegate effectively can be a game-changer in reducing stress and increasing productivity.
Joyel Crawford, an award-winning career and leadership development professional, offers valuable insights on how to delegate successfully.
“Think of delegation like Thanksgiving dinner: when your guests’ plates are full, you wouldn’t eat their food to make them feel better, right? Similarly, prioritize your own full plate before taking on more,” Crawford advises.
Identifying the Right Candidates
One of the keys to effective delegation is selecting the right person for the task. Crawford emphasizes the importance of having a transparent conversation with potential delegates about their career goals and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
“Make sure you select someone with the SKILL and WILL to do the work you’re delegating,” she says. “It doesn’t do you or the other party any good to delegate responsibility or project to him or her when they have no interest in doing it in the first place.”
Setting Clear Expectations
Proper delegation requires setting clear expectations from the outset. Crawford recommends outlining processes, deadlines, and rules, and asking questions to ensure understanding.
“This not only gives you peace of mind but also helps you ascertain if the delegated party is on the same page with what you’re looking for,” she explains.
Regular Check-ins, Not Micromanagement
Maintaining open communication is crucial during the delegation process. Crawford suggests setting up regular weekly check-ins to address any clarifications or adjustments needed, without micromanaging.
“It’s nice to ask the delegated party how they feel they’re doing and to celebrate key learnings and milestones before getting to the finished product,” she adds.
Handling Setbacks and Learning Opportunities
Despite careful planning, setbacks can occur during the delegation process. Crawford advises against self-criticism, emphasizing the importance of calmly discussing what happened with the delegated party and working together to find solutions.
“At the end of the delegated assignment, assess how the whole project went. Document the progress and process. Now, you have a standard operating procedure for the next time something like this may come up, and your team member can walk away feeling that they’ve added something new to their leadership tool belt. Win-win!”
An Expert in Leadership Development
As the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, Joyel Crawford has established herself as an expert in developing empowered, results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation.
Her insights on effective delegation offer a valuable resource for professionals seeking to manage their workload while fostering growth opportunities for their teams.
