6 Steps to Effective Delegation (Part 2 of 6)

2. Have you clearly defined the expectations?

During delegation efforts do you clearly define the expectations? Employees may be unable to be successful and typically are not as motivated if they are unclear of the expectations for carrying out job tasks or duties.

Supervisors and managers may sometimes feel great disappointment and confusion about why delegated tasks fail to get completed in a timely, accurate, or otherwise appropriate manner. In some cases management is not delegating effectively. Effective delegation includes a clear and concise definition of the expectations. This problem can be amplified if the supervisor believes that they have been clear and concise but the employee who has received the assignment is still unclear. Perhaps worse yet if they believe they are clear but have interpreted the communication differently the results could be very unfavorable. Of course, we sometimes we call this – miscommunication.

Effective delegation must include clearly defined expectations. To help solidify the transfer of job tasks or duties consider these helpful hints:

   - Ask questions to ensure understanding
   - Ask for reflection back about the objectives of the project or task
   - Use effective listening approaches
   - Watch or monitor the work as the employee begins

Delegation represents one of the keys to leadership success. Leaders should always be sure to share and clarify the big picture.