Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Delicacy of Delegation

Historically with regards to my leadership, I've found the task of delegating to be more art than science.  I've struggled with knowing when to delegate, how to delegate and to whom to delegate.  Recently, I ran across this simple little quiz that I found very valuable concerning the topic of delegation. Hopefully, you will too.


QUIZ: Are you delegating enough or effectively?


Answer these simple questions to see where you stand. 

1. Do you work extended hours trying to catch up? Yes No 
2. When you delegate an activity, do you merely say "Do it?" Yes No 
3. Do you take work home evenings and weekends? Yes No 
4. Do you postpone long-range projects? Yes No 
5. Do you lack confidence in your subordinates' abilities? Yes No 
6. Is the work on your staff below your expectations? Yes No 
7. Does your staff have low morale? Yes No 
8. Are all decisions deferred to you from your staff? Yes No 
9. Has your staff stopped presenting their ideas to you? Yes No 
10. Do operations slow down when you're away? Yes No 

If you answer yes to more than five of the questions, you're not delegating enough! 


“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.” -Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004) U.S. president


For more on delegation, read this.