INTRODUCTION

Topic

FIRST OF ALL SIMPLE MEANING

A person authorized to act as representative for other ,a

deputy or agent.

Introduction

Delegation is a communication skill for leaders. It is more usually understood as a management task. However some of the critical step in effective delegation are also crucial communication skill. When delegation goes wrong, its often due to ineffective or complete a break down in communication.

Definition

Delegation is giving responsibility tosomeone to carry out task that youmight normally do you self. Bydelegation you give other the authorityto do this, but you remain accountablefor the outcome.

Why delegate?

Before considering the “how” questions above,perhaps we need to answer an even morepressing question. Why delegate in the first place? There is a common tendency for leaders to try andkeep hold of tasks, activities and processes.

What’s wrong withthis?

Well, the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided a powerful answer to this question:

“No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.”

This quote from Carnegie makes two good points.Firstly, to grow you need to trust other people toget important things done. Secondly, when youdo delegate and someone is doing the tasks reallywell, give them the credit for what they are doing.

Delegation also matters at a practical level. It:

• Releases your time to concentrate on other key tasks.• Develops the capability of others in your team.

Leaders delegate both to give themselves moretime to lead, and crucially to help others todevelop and grow in their abilities andresponsibilities.

How do you delegate? Delegation is an invaluable tool for leaders.However, to do it well we must think of itas a process. This includes several stages andproper use of a set of communication skills. Te 5 stages for effective delegation are:1. Identify the person2. Select the task3. Clarify expectation4. Provide support,encourgement and feed back5. Review

Here’s why it’s best to leave others to work out howto do something:“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them whatto do and they will surprise you with theiringenuity.” General George Smith Patton, Jr.Te 5 stages for delegation provide a structured set ofsteps to follow. They identify what is needed to be done. However, understanding how to delegatemeans focusing on the communication skills needed.

Up's and Down's of delegating

Communication skills for delegationIdentify the person Building trust and understanding. Listening and questioning to understand an

individual strength.Select the task Discussion of development need to identify

opportunity. Conversion about what task to delegate.

Clarify identification Clarify what is required and expected. Specify the outcome and key things that need to be

achieved. Provide support and encouragement Encourage question to ensure understanding. Be available and listen. Provide feed back and encouragement.Review Discuses with the individual how they feel they have

developed.

Finally Thought

As a final thought on delegation consider the words of Theodore Roosevelt..

Te best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and

self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”