Hey there, 👋

Have you ever felt like a micromanager? Do you want to be known as a mentor instead? Delegation is the solution! Many successful leaders know that delegation is the key to running an efficient team. However, delegation is not just a way to dump work on others. It’s an art that requires finesse and skill. In this blog, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you master delegation and go from micromanager to mentor.

What Is Delegation?

Before we get started, let’s define what delegation is. Delegation is the act of assigning tasks and responsibilities to others. It’s an essential skill for leaders because it frees up their time to focus on higher-level tasks, helps develop their team members’ skills, and increases the team’s productivity.

A group of people collaborating on a project.

Micromanager vs Mentor

As we mentioned earlier, delegation is the key to becoming a mentor instead of a micromanager. But what’s the difference? Micromanagers hog all the responsibilities, don’t trust their team members, and discourage creativity and independence. On the other hand, mentors empower their team members, trust them to deliver the results, and encourage their creativity and independence.

A boss hovering over a worker with a magnifying glass vs a mentor guiding their team member.

Benefits of Delegation

Delegation has many benefits. For one, it enables a team leader to focus on the essential tasks without worrying about small details. And, by delegating tasks, a leader can identify the team members with better skills and develop them further. A team’s productivity increases when team members take ownership of tasks, leading to effective task completion and collaboration.

A person holding a trophy and standing with a group of cheering teammates.

Things to Consider Before Delegation

Before delegating tasks to team members, it’s essential to identify the right tasks to delegate. Consider the following questions:

  • Does the task align with the team member’s skills and strengths?
  • Will the task provide opportunities for the team member to develop new skills?
  • Will the task contribute to the team’s overall goals and objectives?

By answering these questions, you can handpick the tasks that can be delegated to the team members for development opportunities.

A team leader handing off a task to a team member.

Selecting the Right Team Members

Now that you have identified the tasks you want to delegate, it’s time to select the right team members to assign the tasks. Consider what skills are most critical for the task and match them with team members who have expertise in that area. Select team members who have previously expressed interest in taking on more significant responsibilities or who have shown a willingness to learn and grow in their roles.

A team leader having a conversation with a team member about a task assignment.

Setting Expectations

When delegating tasks to team members, it’s essential to be clear about expectations, timelines, and outcomes. This ensures that everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done and by when. Be open to any questions the team members may have and ensure that they have all the resources they need to complete the task effectively.

A team leader and team member having a discussion about the expectations regarding a task assignment.

Follow-Up and Feedback

After delegating tasks, follow up with your team members to monitor their progress and provide feedback. Let them know what they did well and where they can improve. This is an ideal time to address any issues, concerns, or questions they may have about the task or their performance.

A team leader and team member sitting together while discussing the progress of a task assignment.

Conclusion

Delegating tasks is an art that requires practice, patience, and skill. When done effectively, it fosters growth, empowers team members, and increases productivity. By considering the tips mentioned in this blog, you can become a mentor, not a micromanager, and lead your team to success.

A smiling group of team members holding up a sign that says "Teamwork makes the dream work."

That’s all for now! See ya! 👋