|
IDEA TO ACTION QUOTE: You can do whatever you want in life. And you must live with the consequences - unknown.
Delegation is assigning authority to another person to carry out specific job-related activities. It is a shift of decision-making authority from a higher organisational level to a lower one. It allows a subordinate to make decisions.
For delegated tasks to be conducted effectively, the subordinate should have effective coaching to help her develop the skills needed to get the job done. Effective delegation also requires good communication and a high degree of trust between the delegator and the delegatee. You cannot delegate effectively if you keep knowledge and information to yourself.
Delegation is not simply y assigning work to an individual within the duties and responsibilities of his position. Delegation involves the manager giving someone the responsibility and authority to do something that is normally part of the manager's job.
It is also not "dumping." Managers should take special care to make sure that the employee does not think he is trying to "dump" unpleasant assignments on him. If you dump tasks that you do not like employees feel put upon and resentful. They are unlikely to do the job well.
When you delegate you still have the ultimate accountability for the assignment. That's why it is important for you to establish appropriate controls and checkpoints to monitor progress. Besides, you should give delegatees the appropriate authority to act along with clear expectations including any boundaries or criteria. You should, however, avoid prescribing HOW the assignment should be completed.
In fact, delegation involves three important concepts and practices: responsibility, authority, and accountability. When you delegate, you share responsibility and authority with others and you hold them accountable for their performance. The ultimate accountability, however, still lies with you, on the understanding that:
- Responsibility means setting clear expectations. It also means that you should avoid prescribing the employee HOW the assignment should be completed.
- Authority refers to the appropriate power given to the individual or group including the right to act and make decisions. It is very important to communicate boundaries and criteria such as budgetary considerations.
- Accountability refers to the fact that the relevant individual must 'answer' for his/her/their actions and decisions along with the rewards or penalties that accompany those actions or decisions.
If you would like me to speak to your chama book here. | 
