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Leadership Communication #30: Delegate and Elevate

Master effective delegation so you can grow your people's skills and free up your capacity.


What tasks have you been wanting to delegate but haven't yet? Take a moment to make a list. Even jotting down one task can start freeing up your time and space for the future. While delegating takes more time upfront, the long-term benefits are substantial. It's about moving yourself out of your current job to prepare for the next one while also developing your team. When people stop learning at work, they start looking for other opportunities. Your job is to nurture them from saplings into giant oak trees.

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The Benefits of Delegation

Delegating tasks helps you move on to your next role and develop your team by letting them add more value and helping them become their best selves at work. As long as people are growing in their roles, they want to stay. If you're not delegating, you're not only keeping good people from growing but also hindering your growth.



Common Barriers to Delegation

Many resist delegating because they fear they will work themselves out of a job. This small thinking limits both their potential and their team's development. Help those around you understand the opportunities that come with delegation. Often, people don't delegate because they don't trust their team. This lack of trust can drag down productivity and demotivate the team.



Practical Strategies for Effective Delegation



  1. Start with Tactical Tasks:

  • Begin by delegating simpler, tactical tasks before moving on to those requiring judgment and decision-making.

  1. Use Clear Communication:

  • Provide detailed instructions in various formats (written, verbal, video). Have the person summarize the task back to you to ensure understanding.

  1. Implement the "Know, Can, Want" System:


  • Know: Ensure the person knows what to do.

  • Can: Verify that they have the capability and capacity.

  • Want: Motivate them by explaining the importance and benefits of the task.

  • Provide Continuous Feedback:

  • Review the completed task and provide constructive feedback. Use the feedback loop to improve future delegations.

  • Always invite your team to suggest improvements to the processes you share.



Developing a Delegation Routine

Make a habit of delegating tasks systematically. Keep a list of tasks to delegate over the next six months and follow through with the delegation process. By doing so, you'll create a model of continuous measurable feedback and foster a growth mindset within your team. Effective delegation is about trusting your team, providing clear communication, and continuous feedback. By embracing these strategies, you can elevate your leadership and inspire your team to reach their full potential. Start delegating today and watch your team grow into their best selves.


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How you speak is how you lead.  Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

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