The importance of delegating

Almost every business owner has too much to do and too little time.By delegating effectively, you can take some of the weight off your shoulders, and at the same time empower your employees to use their initiative, to make decisions, to be pro-active, and to stay motivated.

Although there may be an initial learning curve, the long-term benefits of delegating will far outweigh any short term setbacks.

Steps of successful delegation include:

• Define the task and make sure it is one that can be delegated.
• Choose the individual or team carefully and ensure that they understand the task and are capable of performing it.
• Consider the resources and possible training requirements for the effective completion of the task you have delegated.
• Explain the reasons for delegating, and make clear the importance and relevance of the task.
• Specify the required results and make sure those assigned with the delegated task understand how you intend to measure that the job is being successfully done.
• Agree the deadline or review dates for the task. Methods of checking and controlling should be agreed in advance with the other person so that monitoring activities does appear as interference or lack of trust.
• Support and communicate – most businesses encounter awkward political issues, so make sure you communicate with the rest of the staff so that they understand and support those to whom you have delegated tasks.
• Give feedback – people need to know how they are doing, and whether they have achieved their aims.  As the ‘driver’ of your business, you need to be able to pass on the credit for success and deal with the consequences of failure.

Delegation is one of the most difficult things to do because it involves giving up control over certain parts of your business to others.

While it is very seldom that others will perform the task as well as yourself, delegation is essential as your business grows.  It is the only way that you can free yourself up to properly manage your business, and allow yourself time to focus on planning for continued growth and success.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)