Delegation, often suggested as a remedy for feeling overwhelmed, requires a thoughtful approach to be truly effective. Haphazardly delegating tasks can lead to frustration for both the delegator and the delegatee. To ensure successful delegation, consider these key elements:
* **Select the Right Person:** Assigning tasks to the appropriate individual is paramount. Avoid delegating critical projects to underperforming employees. Evaluate both personal attributes and professional skills. For roles requiring extensive interaction, prioritize individuals with a pleasant disposition. Ensure the task aligns with, and does not conflict with, the individual’s primary responsibilities.
*Example:* Instead of overburdening your best processor with new employee training when they already have a heavy workload, redistribute some of their simpler loans among other team members. Consider personal commitments as well, ensuring the delegated task doesn’t negatively impact their work-life balance. Open communication is key; gauge their enthusiasm for the opportunity.
* **Provide Adequate Training and Support:** Insufficient training is a common cause of delegation failures. Avoid last-minute, rushed training sessions. Instead, prioritize comprehensive cross-training from the outset. This proactive approach enables team members to readily assist when needed. When delegating, a simple refresher will suffice.
*Example:* A loan processor trained in sub-prime loans benefited from shadowing a colleague handling A-paper and government loans. This broader training allowed them to seamlessly cover for colleagues during vacations, expanding their skillset and providing valuable support to the team.
* **Empower with Authority and Resources:** Delegation without providing the necessary tools is counterproductive. Ensure the individual has the authority and resources to complete the task effectively. Inform relevant parties that the task has been delegated and that they can directly interact with the designated person. Provide comprehensive supporting information, including contact details and relevant documentation. Secure necessary authorizations in advance. If the task requires capital, clearly communicate the access process.
*Example:* When an employee was asked to host regional partners, their workspace was moved to a quieter area to minimize distractions. A prepaid Visa was provided to cover expenses, streamlining the process and ensuring a smooth visit.
Remember these crucial points for successful delegation:
* Clearly communicate deadlines.
* Be available for follow-up questions and support.
* Acknowledge and praise successful completion.
Effective delegation frees up your time for high-value activities and provides growth opportunities for your team members. Embrace delegation to boost both productivity and employee engagement.