How To Effectively Delegate

When you delegate, do projects come back different from what you expected? Don’t burn out trying to fix things after the fact, follow these steps to make sure the work you delegate is well done:

1. Clearly define the project: its purpose, expected outcomes, deadline, and budget.
2. Decide whom to delegate it to by asking:  
   1. Do they have the time?
   2. Do they have the skills? 
   3. Are they motivated to do it?
   4. What’s at risk if the project isn’t done well?
   5. Do I have time to coach them through it?
3. Clearly communicate the details and get a verbal agreement on the deliverables. For example, “Can I count on you to purchase the new equipment by June 9?”
4. Allow them to decide how to achieve it. Check on progress, but don’t micromanage.

People want to exceed your expectations, so set them up for success. Make sure celebrate success and show plenty of gratitude when the job is well done.

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About the Author

Leena Rinne is FranklinCovey's Vice President of Consulting. She is responsible for the management and development of the consultant team and the ongoing world class delivery of FranklinCovey programs and solutions. Leena is co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity, and also co-authored the forthcoming book, Leading Customer Loyalty: Cracking the Code to Customer Devotion. Currently in her 14th year with FranklinCovey, Leena’s passion lies in supporting client to develop great leaders and create winning cultures.

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