The Delegation Dilemma: How to Delegate Effectively as a First-Time Manager

Do you ever find yourself thinking:

“Delegation? What if my team gets it wrong and I have to redo it? It might be faster to just do it myself.”

“Will everyone think I’m lazy if I delegate tasks?”

“I don’t want people to think I take credit for others’ work.”

These are common concerns for first-time managers.  The fear of losing control, perfectionism, and a lack of trust can all contribute to the “delegation dilemma.”  However, failing to delegate effectively will ultimately hinder your ability to be a successful manager.

But first, let’s talk about why delegation is important. The benefits of delegating are abundant, including:

• Delegating tasks that others can handle effectively frees up your time to focus on strategic initiatives and big projects.
• Effective delegation demonstrates trust in your team’s ability and lets go of your need to control, motivating your team, increasing their engagement, and fostering their professional development.
• Delegating effectively increases your confidence, helps you maintain a work-life balance, and has a positive ripple effect on your team.

Now that you understand why it’s important to delegate effectively, let’s walk you through the steps of delegating effectively.

First, identify tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, and appropriate for your team’s skill level.

Next, match your team’s skillset to tasks strategically. Consider your team’s strengths, interests, and development needs.

Then, define your expectations by clearly communicating task details, desired outcomes, deadlines, and relevant resources to your team.

Next, empower rather than micromanage your team. Provide them with processes and resources they need to complete the task and let them know you’re available to answer questions.

Finally, give constructive feedback. Recognize successes and discuss areas for improvement in a supportive manner.

Delegation is a skill that can be honed over time. Start small, delegate tasks confidently, and celebrate successes. When you make delegation a core leadership skill, you’ll empower your team, increase efficiency, and become a leader dedicated to your team’s and organizational success, watching them grow alongside your leadership.