How to Delegate Work to People

1. Decide what to delegate

List the things or use the activity log to show the tasks that have to be done then decide which could be more effectively done by someone else.

2. Find the right person for the job

Here, assign the job to an inexperienced person. Close supervision is necessary to get a job done to the correct standard. It will take several iterations before the task is completed satisfactorily.

3. Explain the purpose of the job and what you expect

Be specific about what you want done. Be clear as to the purpose of the delegated work and what kind of results you expect. Take the time to answer the person's questions. This takes less time than redoing work.

4. Make sure resources are available

Give the person the information he/she will need and point them toward other resources he/she may use to complete the work.

5. Set the deadlines for completion

Set a realistic deadline for the delegated work and make sure that this is workable for the delegated person. Set the internal reporting dates when you want information on the progress of the project

6. Let the delegated person get on with the job and review work at appropriate checkpoints;

Be available to answer questions or to give coaching where appropriate. Allow the person to handle the job in his/her approach and to take the initiative to do something differently. Require periodic progress reports. Have a list of critical dates so that you get the feedback regularly. Keep a log of all the projects you delegate and their status. Update the log as you get feedback.

7. Evaluate the results. If appropriate, reward the effort.

When the job is completed, spend some time to check it through thoroughly. Identify what went well and what could be improved for next time. Give credit and praise for the successful completion of the job or solution of the problem.