How to Delegate Effectively

ACCOUNTABILITY: Delegation is not complete unless subordinates are held accountable for their work. They should be accountable to only one person-usually their immediate manager-and must understand what criteria will be used in judging their performance. They must also understand that unless the job is done successfully, they will be replaced. Though ultimate accountability cannot be transferred and does rest with the manager, managers must be willing to support the actions and decisions of those in whom they have placed their trust. They must stand behind the results-whether good or bad.

DEFINING OBJECTIVES: Managers should write down all provisions discussed verbally, including the objectives of the assignment, the resources necessary to carry it out, the degree of authority being transferred (including access to funds), time limits involved, and when and how results are to be reported. Managers should also put in writing all expectations, priorities, foreseeable problems, and any other relevant information that can aid the subordinate. This written record not only increases clarity and avoids misunderstandings, but provides a useful record of the delegation.

REVIEW RESULTS, NOT METHODS: Once a task is completed, the manager and employee should sit down together and evaluate the results-not the methods. When results do not measure up to expectations, managers must access the consequences. They must determine why the employee failed and then check to see whether he or she misunderstood objectives and standards. Additionally, fault may be determined to lie with a manager who failed to make himself or herself readily available for assistance, a sign of insufficient coaching.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

---

3 Reasons Why CRM Strategies Fail

Customer relationship management (CRM) is one of the most effective... Read More

Dont Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Credit Policy

Do you know how many customers you have that are... Read More

Creating Advisory Boards

There is no substitute for soliciting the opinions of the... Read More

How to Make a Difference Every Day

Every day, everyone can make the world a better place.... Read More

How to Find the Right Virtual Assistant for You

If you search on Google for "virtual assistant", you'll find... Read More

Christmas and Business Gifts for Your Clients and Employees!

Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you... Read More

Leaders Versus Cheerleaders

Everyone wants to describe themselves as a leader. Everyday, new... Read More

Hiring and Retaining Good Employees

Hiring good employees is not only important to business, it's... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills By Disciplining Yourself In The Way Of The Question Mark

I'm often asked to come in to organizations and give... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management in Conservative, Staid Organisations

Conservative and staid organisations generally have a harder time implementing... Read More

Lower the Bar

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Ralph Waldo EmersonI'm... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Become An Effective Executive

In his book, The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker pointed out... Read More

How to Help Your Company Become a World Class Company

Most people think real change in an organization occurs as... Read More

The 10 Realities of Change

I've seen several articles that begin with lines like "the... Read More

Innovation Management ? changing the world!

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Innovation Management: Radical Innovation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Jewelry Use by Employees

Many companies have dress codes, which include jewelry. Some companies... Read More

Bolster Credibility with Investors--Avoid These Phrases in Your Business Plan

Remember Papa John's commercial on TV with the slogan "Better... Read More

Why Management Kills Creativity

Ten or so years ago, an international consultant, specializing in... Read More

Smart Hiring: What Makes the Right Employee?

Good hires do not happen by accident or luck. In... Read More

Jack Welch--Success Is Getting Back Up on the Horse

A few months ago I had the opportunity to spend... Read More

The How-Tos of Firing Incompetent Employees

CATEGORIES OF OFFENSES: Most organizations have two categories of offenses... Read More

Cultural Awareness - an HR Perspective

The use of cultural awareness training has increased rapidly in... Read More

Forecasting Support Costs

Did you know that maintenance accounts for 50% to 80%... Read More

Your Blueprint For Business Success

Before you start your own business one of the first... Read More

5 Surefire Ways to Bring Your Business Objectives Full Circle with Technology

All small to mid-sized company owners want to know where... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management: Goal Setting

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

You Cant Not Communicate

Most of us would like to be better communicators. As... Read More

Effective Meetings Begin With a Real Agenda

Everyone knows that an agenda is the key to an... Read More

Involving People Gave Us the Improvements We Needed

We had a problem with handling materials in a production... Read More

Prioritise Your Day - Keep Focus - Win!

Whether you run your own business or manage a team,... Read More

Looking through the Glass Ceiling - Women in Management

Women have made tremendous contributions to society at every level;... Read More

Innovation Management: The Time Factor

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More