Who at your home is best at the art of delegation?
If you ask me, I have all varieties present:
- Those who keep defaulting but never delegate: They have work, don’t know how to do it, and yet they keep defaulting and consider it a crime to ask for help. That, even when others would be happy to extend their helping hand – That’s my dear son, Tanav and perhaps me too!
- Who work themselves to death but don’t delegate: They’re overworked, and yet keep taking on more responsibilities eventually burning themselves out. – That’s my better half, Dinky she’s sincere to the core, always asking to gimme more.
My candle burns at both the ends, it won’t last the night; But Oh my God and hey my friends, it gives a wonderful light.
- Delegate. Delegate. Delegate: They delegate almost everything on their plate – they’re relaxed and always look in control. All they spend time doing is checking the status of the last task they delegated. – That’s my darling daughter, Sohana. Can you please search the charger for me, Papa?
Of course, we all love all our family members to the moon and back. And those examples are just meant to understand the Spectrum of Delegation.
The real question is:
Why Should We Delegate? And if we should, How to Learn the ABCs of this Art?
Batman has famously said:
“All men have limits. They learn what they are and learn not to exceed them. I ignore mine.” – Batman
Can you and I ignore our limits too?
Yes we can. Become limitless. Achieve BIG things. And the way to do so is through learning the Art of Delegation.
Delegation Myths You Must Overcome First:
- They will not be able to do it as well as I will (Lack of trust)
- I’ll not be able to communicate what’s needed and by when (Self-doubt)
- It’ll be faster for me to do it myself (Excuse)
- Person I delegate to will get all the glory (Insecurity)
- I will lose control in the process (another form of Insecurity)
Tips To Learn the Art of Delegation:
- Clarify the why of the task in your own mind
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When the why is clear, the how appears
- Delegate to the right person at best, a motivated person at least
- Explain ‘What is in it for them?’
- Set deadlines and progress reporting upfront. Keep enough buffer.
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People don’t do what you expect. They do what you (Leaders) inspect with respect.
- Don’t just delegate Responsibility. Delegate Authority too. – Authority helps them grow as leaders.
- Give Praise, Feedback and Elevate them for Higher Opportunities
- Don’t be a Perfectionist. – Be empathic. Take baby steps.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Yet, you can achieve anything you set your eyes on.
You don’t have to do everything. Even Batman had Robin.
Well, now take a moment and ask yourself this question: What stops you from delegating and what are some of the things you’ll do now to overcome it?
PS: This post is inspired by the keynote I attended by Suganthi Periasamy, DTM, Region 13 Advisor – at DOTP, District 41, Toastmasters International on 23rd July 2021. #Gratitude
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