Web Page: 6 Tips for Delegating Success
Web Page: Why Aren't You Delegating?
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Planning
A plan lays out the specific steps for accomplishing a goal. On pages 355–362 of this book, you’ll find a whole chapter on planning. The following list summarizes the process:
- Define a goal. In one or two sentences, describe what you plan to do.
- Write objectives. Flesh out your goal by answering the 5 W’s and H about it.
- List tasks. Write down the tasks that need to be accomplished to reach the goal.
- Schedule time. Assign a completion date to each task.
- Outline the team. Decide who will take on the various tasks.
- List tools. Write down the equipment, materials, information, and resources you need to reach the goal.
Your Turn Create a career plan. Start by defining your goal—the career that you want. Write objectives by answering the 5 W’s and H about the goal. Then list tasks, time, team, and tools necessary to reach your goal. (To download a planning sheet, go to thoughtfullearning.com/h89.)
Delegating
Leaders must learn to delegate—asking others to take on part of the job. If leaders do not delegate, they end up having to do everything themselves. Failing to delegate also prevents others from contributing. When a group works collaboratively, however, delegation comes easily. The whole group can see what needs to be done, and the leader can ask each member to take on part of the work necessary to reach the goal. Each person’s contribution should be recorded and a completion date assigned.
Your Turn Using your career plan from above, think about who could help you and how. Decide on specific tasks within a specific time frame. Finally, ask the person for help.
Monitoring Progress
Of course, delegating responsibility doesn’t work if people don’t follow through. When a group meets, it should review the list of tasks that have been delegated, asking each person to report on his or her progress. The group can decide at that point what to do about tasks that have fallen behind schedule.
Your Turn Think of a group assignment you have. Use the approach on this page to plan the project. (Download a planning sheet at thoughtfullearning.com/h89.) Delegate work, recording who is doing what in what time frame. Monitor everyone’s progress.