Delegation - An Overlooked Management Tool

It is no secret that you can get more done if you delegate tasks. Delegation is most important to small business owners who wear several hats in their business and work 50, 60, or 70 hours each week. So if you want to get more done, delegate.  Simple enough.  But if its that simple, why do so many business owners routinely fail to delegate?

Personally, I fail to delegate tasks because I think its faster if I just do it myself.  It is also an ego thing. I can do it better. But there is a downside to this type of thinking. When I fail to delegate I fail to develop my employees, my team members. I cheat them of the opportunity to learn and to develop their skills. Skills that will make them more productive and take some of the load off me. By failing to delegate I cheat myself.

Delegation done well takes time and effort. You have to clearly communicate to your employee the end result you want to achieve, any scope or time limitations imposed, at what points in the project or task you want him to report to you, and when the task should be complete. You should make sure the employee understands your instructions and get his commitment to complete the assignment.

Delegation should become a habit for a business owner. The upside for you and your business could be increased productivity, employee development, less stress and more time for yourself.  The downside could be limited business growth, longer work hours, and less satisfaction with your business.

Give yourself a break. Delegate.