Delegation means giving someone a responsibility that you were supposed to do so that the other person does the work but you still remain accountable to the authorities for that particular work.(Chaka 2023).
In organizations work can be overwhelming such that you will need extra help .This is one example among many examples that calls for delegation.
Team work is important at work .It doesn’t matter the size of the organization .A leader can do anything but a leader can’t do everything.
At times people don’t want to delegate because they have fears that the other person may perform better than them thus endangering their job.
Leaders need to be secure in their respective work and know that it doesn’t matter how talented one can be ,still you will require additional help.
One is such an insignificant number to make much impact but two or more becomes a team .
The following are some aspects that need to be considered when delegating responsibility:
1.Look for someone in your team who can do the job well.
2.Explain clearly what needs to be done to the person and clarify how you will measure whether the job has been done or not.Remember the purpose of delegating work is not a fault finding mission .
3.Give the person authority along with responsibility .
4.Allow the person to work and do the job without your interference .In other words avoid micro managing the person .
5.Ask for feedback from the person
6.Review the work at the end of the assigned period
7.Give positive feedback where the work has been done .Correct by displaying or explaining what you would have expected to be done .Make the work place a safe environment where someone can make mistakes and you help them grow .
Sometimes it may be helpful to :
a) show the person what needs to be done.
b) Do the work together with them
c) Assign them to do the work while you watch .
d) Evaluate their work afterwards and allowing them to go on to do the assignment .
In leadership delegation can bring lots of positive results .These includes :
1. Accomplishment of tasks in the shortest possible time .
2 .Exposure of a variety of skills or talents /competencies .
3.Empowering team mates
4.Boosting morale among workers .
5.Promotion of unity in diversity within a team.
One leadership guru once wrote “teamwork makes the dream work’.This has proved true in many scenarios .
The writer Professor Elias Chakabwata is a leadership consultant.He can be contacted on 0732288687.
