What does delegation mean for you?

The success or failure of a leader depends on their ability to delegate and to focus on their own personal effectiveness.  

‘If you delegate duties, responsibilities, or power to someone, you give them those duties, those responsibilities, or that power so that they can act on your behalf’.

That can be a scary concept to some managers. To give complete power, accountability or ownership to someone else takes courage and trust. They will not do it the way you would do it, because they aren't you. Their approach might be slower, quicker, better or worse, but if the outcome is achieved (whatever that is) then your delegation has worked. 

Delegation can take place either up or down the hierarchy and enable you to organise yourself and others. 

It improves the effectiveness of your team, ensuring that you focus on the most important aspects of your job. 

We each have our own beliefs, bias and prejudice surrounding delegation. You might be someone who finds it hard to trust, or someone who delegates without structure. Perhaps you delegate to some, not others, without understanding why. Perhaps you hold some gender stereotypes without realising it. Understanding your own approach to delegation is vital, before you do it.

The worksheet linked below will provide you with the opportunity to see what delegation means for you. It is designed to get you thinking about your approach, so think about different people, situations or beliefs you hold. It highlights your personal views on delegation and how it should be utilised within a team. You will then have chance to reflect on this.