The Challenge of Delegation

General George S. Patton once said, "Don't tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results." For most of us, however, our mantra is: "If I want it done right, I have to do it myself!" Right? Wrong!

Here's a quick tip I picked up from a little book called Managing People - Secrets to Leading for New Managers. When you delegate, give instructions not orders. Instructions silently say to the person you've giving them to, "Hey, I believe that you're capable of participating, learning, and doing. I also want you to have a say in how things are done." Orders on the other hand also send a silent message, and it goes something like this: "There's only one way to do this, and it's my way! Your independent thinking is neither needed nor will it be accepted."

Wow! What a difference, right? This is the point, as the delegator we should focus on results -- getting the project done. Think of all the benefits of adopting this delegation technique:

• Thanks to you, the delegatee becomes more capable of doing more
• You and your delegatee experience higher rates of productivity
• You gain the time and freedom to focus on more pressing activities

Looks like a win-win for everyone!

Until next post remember, "Life with no purpose is no life at all!"