Being able to successfully multi-task is far rarer than what thousands of resumes may have you believe. Sure, many can handle multiple tasks and know how to prioritize, but sometimes the quality of the work goes down because you’re spread too thin, you’re unable to complete more high-level projects because you keep getting stuck in the weeds of low-level projects, or others may have a different idea of what is priority. This is when knowing what and when to delegate is key. In my opinion, this is as important as multi-tasking and something many people simply don’t know how to do. But when you learn how to delegate effectively, it is life-changing.
The first step is learning to give up control. To do so, you have to understand the big picture and how letting go of certain responsibilities means more time on tasks that need your specific attention, tasks that grow you professionally and personally. Next evaluate all the responsibilities that take up your time daily, weekly, and monthly that can be given to another person, if that person was given proper instructions. Detailed instructions is key. When I’ve delegated tasks and an employee did not execute them to my liking, it was often because I missed a step I assumed they would know. This wasn’t the employee’s fault. It was mine because experience and repetition made me aware of details the person I delegated the task to wouldn’t know. The next step is identify those individuals who have the skillsets to perform these responsibilities as effectively as you can. These are employees who show great promise, are teachable, and are hungry to grow. Finally, let go. Let go of the control. Let go of some of the smaller duties, that although might be something you enjoy, take up too much of your time. Let your subordinates and co-workers have a chance to pick up some skills you’ve been thriving at for a long time.
Actually, I lied. There is a FINAL, final step. Or perhaps it’s the first step depending on how you look at it. That step is to be confident and secure in your own worth that delegating some of your responsibilities to another person doesn’t make you question your place in the organization. Remember you are delegating so you can grow and be more present with bigger assignments. Helping others get better footing on the ladder rungs showcases your effectiveness as a manager and that is something valued in leadership.
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