Delagation

Everyone knows about delegation. We are so used to and experienced in delegation that we almost take it for granted. The following are examples of delegation in practice almost every day:

1. Can you make me a cup of tea?
2. Please can you pick up my child from school
3. Please give me a hand clearing the Garden.
4. Please post this letter for me.
5. You go to a state agent to find you a new house.
6. You hire someone to help you decorate.
7. Etc.

 We are so adept at delegation in our personal life.  We can easily use delegating skills used for life in our work and professional life. It is in fact a manager’s social and ethical responsibility to enhance, grow and develop the skills, confidence, scope and opportunities for staff, subordinates and people they are responsible for.    

A good manager aims to focus on important tasks and find ways to let go of lesser tasks.   Without delegation, you likely to under-use staff’s range of skills and abilities and fail to benefit from their full value.  On the other hand you also restrict yourself to do the lesser tasks instead of maximising your effectiveness.

As the ancient quotation above suggests, delegation is primarily about entrusting your authority to others. This means that they can act and initiate independently; and that they assume responsibility for a given task. If something goes wrong, you remain responsible since you are the manager; the trick is to delegate in a way that it is carried out with confidence, competence and free from errors, mistakes and risks.