9 steps to successful delegation

DEFINE the TASK

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Establish in your own mind the precise nature of the task.

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Is it appropriate to delegate this task?

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SELECT the PERSON(s)

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Why have you chosen this person?

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Are you being fair?

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What will they get out of it?

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ASSESS ABILITY or TRAINING NEEDS

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Is the person you have chosen capable of doing the task?

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Do they understand what needs to be done?

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Do they need some training / assistance

(and who will provide this)?

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EXPLAIN the REASONS

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Explain the importance of the job.

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Explain where it fits in the overall scheme of things.

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Explain why you are delegating it to them.

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STATE the OUTCOMES

(REQUIRED RESULTS)

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Explain what must be achieved.

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Explain how the task will be measured / assessed.

(Agree the �standards�)

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Clarify understanding by getting feedback from the other person.

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CONSIDER RESOURCES REQUIRED

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What equipment or materials will be needed?

(Consider contingencies � potential problems.)

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Who else will assist?

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Is there financial implication?

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AGREE DEADLINES

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When must the job be finished?

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Agree methods of monitoring.

(Ensure this is not viewed as interference or lack of trust.)

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SUPPORT and COMMUNICATE

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Who else needs to know that the task has been delegated?

(Your line manager?� Work colleagues?� The person�s workmates?)

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Do you need to keep in touch as situation develops � and how will you do this?

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FEEDBACK ON RESULTS

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You need to know when task complete.

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How did it go?� If the task led to problems, discuss these.

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Provide constructive feedback on completion of task.

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Pass on credit for success.

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