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How to Delegate Effectively

Okay, I learned the hard way. Frustration after frustration led me to consider changing my approach to delegation. And you know what? It worked. Maybe I had to go through all the rough spots to find the right strategy. I hope you might try this strategy on and see how it fits for you.

Get really clear on what you want the outcome of the delegation to be
Set up a meeting with the delegatee and communicate your plan
During that meeting first lay out your deliverable and vision for it when it is complete.
Then – ASK the delegatee to respond to your vision. SAY “What would you do to get to the outcome?” Request that they be specific.
LISTEN to their strategy
Respond by being specific and say what you think will work and where you believe they would step on a land mine.
Co-create a plan for the project
Set the timeline for delivery including check-in points along the way
Finally, ask them: “How will you know that this has been successful?”
Tell them how you will know that it will be successful.

Time spent up front will pay off in spades! Remember – more specificity is the key!!

Try it, you may like it!

Lois Todd, Senior Partner