How to Successfully Delegate as a Manager

One of the key aspects of any manager’s job is knowing which tasks to delegate to others. Managers wear many hats and as such, it is crucial to understand the tasks best delegated to others. While many of us may be tempted to tackle everything, believing we can do it best, it is essential as a manager to divide tasks up to increase productivity and success.

Here are four tips managers can apply to successfully delegate:

Avoid Micromanaging

In order to inspire confidence in one’s team, it is important that managers are not hovering over employees, micromanaging each and every task. By clearly laying out expectations on a project and giving employees the freedom to execute on their own, managers take a much more results-oriented approach. Focusing on the results keeps managers out of the weeds and saves time.

Offer Support

Now that a task or project is delegated and expectations are clearly laid out, a successful manager avoids micromanaging while simultaneously offering support throughout the lifetime of the project. Completing a task without the proper tools in place leads to employee frustration and burnout. Avoid this by clearly communicating with staff that you are there to provide information and guidance when necessary, but will otherwise be hands-off while the team completes the project.

Gauge Employee Willingness

Part of successfully delegating involves understanding your team. Just as important as delegating tasks based on employee strength, it is crucial to be aware of those employees that buy into certain projects more than others. Delegating tasks to those team members that not only possess the strengths to succeed but also those who are willing to complete the task without dragging their feet, is an advisable way of successfully delegating tasks.

Avoid the Need to Control

While some managers struggle to avoid micromanaging but are able to keep their hands out, they give way to their desire for control once an employee asks for help. Instead of taking the opportunity to jump in and complete the project yourself, offer a simple recommendation and revert back to showing your team you believe in them.

Conclusion

Tantamount to a manager successfully delegating is a strong belief in the competence of their team. So long as you believe in the strengths of your team, delegating tasks to the best candidate is an excellent way to not only be productive but reaffirm your confidence in employees.

Avoid the urge to micromanage and take control and you will see a return that exceeds simply dollars and cents.