Delegate and Let Go

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Delegate

I am continually challenged with "letting go" and know many of my managers and those I work with are as well.  Have you ever been on an email distribution, perhaps even addressed directly, with a question that is a part of your employee's job, but since you have the answer and know it could take your employee a bit of time to research, you simply respond to the email?  WAIT!!  Think before you hit that send button!!

Doing this can create some unfavorable outcomes:

  • Taking away from a learning opportunity.  Struggling to find an answer brings learning.
  • Removing accountability from the employee.  If there is any sort of follow up, you will then have to be on point to respond.
  • Improperly training others to come to you rather than going to the proper person.  You want to set up the proper channels and expectations clearly and shortcutting those boundaries cause confusion.

In order to delegate effectively, there needs to be consistency.  Not only does it set the expectations for the employee but also for others who interact with them.  Everyone needs to be clear on what has been delegated to them and what they are responsible for.

Letting go when delegating to fully allow someone to work on their own is a powerful force.  It gives the receiver the confidence that you trust them which is what every employee needs.  Sure, jumping in and helping out is great, but once something is delegated it should be off limits to you unless they invite you in.

Some leaders are participative in nature and are constantly taking on aspects of the team's work.  This can be a key part in establishing a bond with employees, gaining trust, and respect.  However, the participative leadership style is a thin line to walk in terms of growing team unity and trust versus becoming a crutch and enabling others to not take action and make decisions on their own.

We want to drive autonomy and decision making to the team.  Before you jump in and answer those emails or take the call that really should be going to someone else on your team, be sure to think ahead at what effects your actions might bring.