Mastering the Art of Delegation: Empower, Enable, and Elevate
Delegation is an essential skill for any good leader, especially in the world of engineering. It might sound easy, but many managers find it challenging.
With over ten years of experience in engineering, I've found that delegation can be tough for those who always feel the need to stay in control or feel guilty about assigning tasks. However, mastering delegation is crucial for building strong teams and growing as a leader.
Why Delegation Matters
Delegation is more than just lightening your workload. It's a way to empower your team, boost efficiency, and establish trust.
Proper delegation also helps your team members grow and learn. By assigning tasks that develop their skills, you are preparing them for future leadership roles. When your team feels empowered, they're likely to be more creative and carried out tasks independently.
Effective delegation makes people feel respected, trusted, and motivated to succeed.
Problems in Delegating Tasks
Managers often struggle with either delegating too little or too much.
Under-delegation - Some leaders don't delegate enough because they fear losing control, a mindset which leads to excessive workload for the leader and stunts team growth. It's important to delegate tasks that matter and contribute to team member growth, rather than just simple jobs.
Over-delegation: Conversely, over-delegating can overwhelm your team, causing stress and dampening morale. This occurs when leaders assume their team can manage everything without enough guidance. It's crucial to keep a close eye on the team's capacity and aptly match tasks to their skills. Clear instructions and ongoing support can help minimize stress.
There is a great explanation about this topic in “The Manager’s Path” book by Camille Fournier.
Tips for Delegating Well
Know What to Delegate
Not every task should be moved off your plate!
Consider delegating tasks that will challenge your team and promote growth, rather than only the easy ones (yes you should delegate the easy ones). Evaluate your workload to identify opportunities for growth for your team.
Match Tasks with Employee Talents
Each team member brings unique skills to the table. Understand their aspirations and assign tasks that align with their career goals and strengths.
Set Clear Goals
Be explicit about expectations and objectives. Allow your team the freedom to determine how best to meet these expectations, which will foster both creativity and accountability.
Provide Needed Resources
Ensure that your team has the necessary tools, sufficient time, and any required training to complete their tasks effectively. Sometimes, this includes connecting them with knowledgeable contacts.
Encourage Communication and Feedback
Cultivate an atmosphere where feedback is valued. Regular check-ins keep everyone aligned and fortify the bond between you and your team. Remember, feedback goes in both directions.
It’s important that you as a leader unlock your team's full potential and achieve desired outcomes. Effective leadership is about nurturing your team and creating an environment where everyone can perform at their best. Delegation is the tool one cannot avoid and the sooner you master it, the better leader you’ll become.
It’s up to you to recognize those team members with great potential and push them forward.