Delegation is a crucial aspect of effective management, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Developing a delegation plan can help managers identify which tasks to delegate, who to delegate them to, and how to delegate effectively.
Identifying tasks to delegate
The first step in developing a delegation plan is to identify which tasks to delegate.
Managers should focus on delegating tasks that are lower-priority or that do not require their specific expertise.
Some examples of tasks that may be delegated include administrative tasks, data entry, or research tasks.
Identifying potential team members to delegate to
After identifying tasks to delegate, the next step is to identify potential team members to delegate them to. Managers should consider the skills and strengths of their team members and select those who have the necessary knowledge and experience to complete the task successfully.
It is also important to consider the workload of team members to ensure that the task can be completed without overloading any one person.
Determining appropriate level of delegation
Once the tasks and team members have been identified, managers need to determine the appropriate level of delegation. This means deciding how much autonomy to give to team members when completing the task.
Managers can use the situational leadership model to help them determine the appropriate level of delegation. This model identifies four leadership styles (directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating) based on the competence and commitment of team members.
Establishing a timeline for delegation
Finally, managers need to establish a timeline for delegation. This means setting deadlines for the task and identifying key milestones along the way.
The timeline should be communicated clearly to team members, and managers should regularly check in to ensure that the task is progressing according to schedule.
Exercise: Developing a Delegation Plan
Instructions:
Try to create a delegation plan for a task that you typically handle at work. Write down your answers to each prompt in the space provided.
Use following Template:
- Identify tasks to delegate:
- Which tasks do you currently spend the most time on?
- Which tasks could be done by someone else on your team?
- Which tasks are not essential for you to complete personally?
Task to delegate: _________________
- Identify potential team members to delegate to:
- Who on your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the task?
- Who has expressed interest in taking on additional responsibilities?
- Who is available to take on the task?
Potential team members to delegate to: _________________
- Determine the appropriate level of delegation:
- How much authority and decision-making power should you delegate?
- What level of guidance and support will be necessary?
- What are the potential risks and consequences of delegating this task?
Appropriate level of delegation: _________________
- Establish a timeline for delegation:
- When should the task be completed?
- What milestones should be established along the way?
- How often should progress be checked?
Timeline for delegation: _________________
- Bonus: Consider any potential obstacles to delegation and develop strategies to overcome them.
Obstacles to delegation: _________________
Strategies to overcome obstacles: _________________
Download free Delegation Plan Template