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How to Delegate Effectively

 

"Lions cannot afford to hunt mice because they literally will starve to death, even if they catch them. Lions and all large carnivores have to hunt game large enough to justify the investment, so they have to hunt antelope and zebra. Why is this important? Because most senior executives are really big on chipmunks."

-- Newt Gingrich

Managers who feel like they spend all their time going from one crisis to the next are probably failing to delegate effectively. When we mainly focus on the fires in our inboxes, we are reacting--not leading. Delegation requires an investment of time to ensure your direct reports have the tools, guidance, and skills they need to accomplish the task. This enables them to take on greater responsibility which, in turn, will free you to focus more time on high-value issues such as strategic thinking, planning, and supporting professional development for your team.

 

Articles
Books
If You Want It Done Right, You Don't Have to Do It Yourself

If You Want It Done Right, You Don't Have to Do It Yourself!

By Donna M. Genett, Ph.D.

This short business parable illustrates an effective method of delegation. Demonstrates the personal and organizational costs of poor delegation and walks you through a process of discovery to identify six key steps in effective delegation. A quick read with clear takeaways. Read More...

 

Delegating Effectively

Delegating Effectively: A Leader's Guide to Getting Things Done

By Clemson Turregano

This booklet from the Center for Creative Leadership asserts that delegation skills are a fundamental leadership skill that is frequently done poorly, causing managers and executives to derail. Provides a self-assessment to help you gauge your current delegation skills and discusses the reasons why managers do not delegate. Also provides a solid methodology for delegation to help you build the capacity of your team members. Read More...


The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey

The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey

by Kenneth H. Blanchard, William Oncken, and Hal Burrows

Do you work harder than your staff? Do many of the tasks you delegate go unfinished? If so, then this book is for you. Based on William Oncken's classic Harvard Business Review article "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?," The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey provides a clear model for delegation that focuses on ensuring the task is understood and increases the likelihood that it will be completed. Read More...