Too often I meet business owners who are pulling their hair out due to the lack of performance and dedication of their employees. When asked what their biggest business frustration is, they generally reply "finding good staff!"
As a Business Coach, when I peel back the layers, I find that the cause of the problem often rebounds back to a very defensive employer. The reason - too many tasks are abdicated and not delegated.
What is the difference? Well, when an employer abdicates a task or role, he is abandoning all responsibility. A task is simply handed over to employees and they are expected to perform. (How often do we hear "They should know what to do!").
The result - the employee struggles, things go pear shaped and the employer steps in to fix the problems. After a while the employer, out of sheer frustration at the number of problems arising, takes over that role again crying, "I tried giving them the job but if I want it done properly I will have to do it myself."
The employees on the other hand are now confused because they thought they were doing a good job. Fed up of being yelled at by the boss they become reluctant to make basic decisions.
There are however solutions. The first key to a winning team is strong leadership - and strong leaders delegate; they do not abdicate!
Delegation relies on the owner keeping control of the situation, but not the work. The task is explained, training provided, performance measurements set and the responsibility (with consequences and rewards) assigned.
Will the employee still make mistakes - Yes. But they are not left to flounder from mistake to mistake. They are supervised and with the employer's input - taken through the steps of the process until a solution is found. And at this stage, the employee with the responsibility fixes the problem.
Over time, the employees develop a clear picture of what is to be done, as well as the understanding of the importance of the task. They have confidence in performing the role, and know that if they make a mistake, they will have to fix it.
Because strong leaders are keeping performance measurements and have regular performance reviews with their team, each employee knows clearly that his future advancement within the company depends upon his own performance.
The employers, on the other hand, can now trust their employees. There are fewer frustrations, more consistent results and less workload on the boss. Everyone is now working together as a team and not as individuals.
Now you have a winning team!
So what is the gentle art of delegation...
Well firstly why delegate anyway?
- To give yourself more personal time.
- To give yourself the opportunity to do more and therefore to achieve more.
- To be able to grow your business more effectively
- To improve productivity and efficiency - both of yourself and of your key people.
- To allow for the growth and development of your staff.
- To teach your staff to accept more responsibility and become more valuable to you.
The Key Steps of Delegating
1. Before you delegate - use this test...
The key is to ask "What is the worst that could happen - and can I live with that?"If you feel that you could live with the worst that could happen - then you delegate.
2. What is the cost of not delegating?
Compare the cost to you of your time per hour - against the cost per hour of a team member (or outside source). Then decide if the job should be delegated or not.
3.The Process of Delegation to a staff member:
- Have a clearly defined set of policies in place that the staff member can refer to for guidance - and be prepared to stand behind the staff member's decisions based on those policies.
- Give them the skills and training needed to do the task.
- Give them the Responsibility to take the action required.
- Give them the Authority to be able take the action required.
- Give them a time frame to complete the task.
- Give them a clear picture of what outcome you want.
- Give them feedback so they know if they are producing what you want.
4. Keeping control - after you have delegated. (Two different levels of delegation)
Level 1. Team member is asked to look at all the options - make a decision - and report back to you for your final OK - before any action is taken.
Level 2. Team member is asked to do as above, then take the action - and report back the results of the action for review by you.
One other vital point you must know that will massively increase your effectiveness to delegate; a pre-requisite if you like... Great leaders start with the 'WHY' and not with the 'WHAT' or the 'HOW'. In fact:
People do not by what you do; they buy why you do it, which goes for employees and customers alike.
Call 01292 319799 to Book your complemetary coaching session today to find out more. Only 1 more complementary coaching session is now available till January.
