Work delegation is an art that can be a win-win for both a leader and subordinates. Still rarely you find leads and managers do it right way. There are two extremes we often see in the workplace. A control freak, who is obsessed to do everything by himself, It might be a reflection of either a job insecurity or a false obsession with perfection or doing everything his or her own way. Both these approaches are killers (literally) and does not produce effective or efficient outcome.

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WHY YOU SHOULD DELEGATE MORE
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Work delegation is an art that can be a win-win for both a leader and subordinates. Still rarely you find leads and managers do it right way. There are two extremes we often see in the workplace. A control freak, who is obsessed to do everything by himself, It might be a reflection of either a job insecurity or a false obsession with perfection or doing everything his or her own way. Both these approaches are killers (literally) and does not produce effective or efficient outcome.  What to Delegate: Delegation is a fine line where one has to decide what need to be delegated and what needs to be kept. There is a clear choice between mundane or routine tasks which are not important but have to be done. These types of tasks are easier to delegate (down) as they can be done by a junior staff with acceptable or desired level of quality. At times this may involve some on the job training. Contrary to this, there are some highly technical or complex tasks which require higher level of expertise or domain experience. For example, presentation of project report to steering committee or Proposal for an upcoming project. Delegation of these type of tasks are not easier and can’t be delegated to someone who is either not qualified so lacking the ‘expertise’ and at times may require delegating (Up) someone superior or with experience. Most leaders do not think delegating these tasks because these tasks are also something that reflects their key skills or so to speak USP and delegating these tasks may actually make manager’s position replaceable!  How To Delegate: There are simple steps to ensure the delegated task get done to desired level of success and you don’t end up spending more time supervising. o Select the task and Find a resource with suitable skills

2. Overcoming Challenges in Global Programs ProzenGlobal.com
o Provide sufficient work instructions & measurable goals o Focus on task “Objective” of the task not procedures o Supervise, Review periodically & give objective Feedback o Step in to help only if needed, else do not interfere.  Expect teething problems: If even after your clear instructions and support you see that the task is back on your table for your action, the delegation clearly did not work. Many managers find themselves in this position often and don’t know what to do next. Some even accept the fact that their team is not up to the mark for the responsibility. Let’s explore the possible reasons; o First, in some cases, the subordinates who have been delegated the tasks bounce the task back to the manager because they don’t want to take the risk or be blamed for the failure. o Second, it may also be possible that manager and the subordinate do not have the same understanding of the tasks to be performed and the empowerment going with that. Clarify the expectations and ask for his / her next action plan. Support with your inputs but do not micro manage or step in when not required. It is important that imminent challenges are discussed and worked through before abandoning the idea. This is because if delegation fails, both parties loose. Subordinate doesn’t see any room to grow and you as boss feels stuck with routine and mundane work load & not finding time for critical and strategic work. At last you should also be open to let it go if things don’t work out despite genuinely putting efforts by both ends. Also for few people (e.g. Perfectionists!) this is always going to be tough! ProZen Global, Calgary Project Management & Consulting Services Access more resources at www.prozenglobal.com