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Genevieve Northup
Editor, Germany
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Delegation: How to Delegate Effectively?
WHAT IS DELEGATION?
Fayol’s 13nd principle ("Initiative") is linked to the management role of delegator. Kreitner (2009) defines "delegation" as: the transfer of decision-making authority to subordinates (p. 253).
WHAT IS NOT DELEGATION?
Sadly, many managers mistake passing on “tasks,” not “responsibilities” as delegation (Gallo, 2012). The result is overstressed managers and less satisfied employees who do not believe they have “ ownership” of projects (Gallo, 2012). As a result, initiative is low.
 WHY DELEGATE?
Pfeffer (as cited in Gallo, 2012) explains that managers are often trapped in the “self-enhancement bias,” afraid they may appear as less integral to corporate success if they delegate. Introspection is necessary to accept and overcome this issue, recognizing that the greater benefit comes from delegating, which gives managers to have more time to address critical issues and subordinates feel like they are a part of the big picture.
DEGREES OF DELEGATION
Kreitner (2009) emphasized that delegation is not an “all-or-nothing proposition” and managers can ease into the process (p. 253). There are several degrees of delegation, beginning with asking employees to research issues and report findings to managers and ending with allowing employees to research issues, and develop and implement solutions (Kreitner, 2009, P. 253).
THE RESULT OF PROPER DELEGATION
Through proper delegation, employee initiative is cultivated and competencies are leveraged for organizational success.
HOW TO DELEGATE EFFECTIVELY?
Gallo (2012) said that managers should implement the following tips for effective delegation:
- SELECT RIGHT PEOPLE: Select employees with the knowledge and willpower to take on responsibilities.
- BE ACCOUNTABLE: Give your direct reports permission to hold you as their manager accountable for delegating properly and include such role in their annual performance appraisal.
- ENABLE: “Really let go”, by giving employees the tools and training to take on projects and make decisions from start to finish.
⇒ If you have any additional tips or suggestions on delegation, please share…
Sources:
Gallow, Amy. (2012, July 26). Why Aren’t you Delegating? Harvard Business Review, July 2012
Kreitner, R. (2009). Management. (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin
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Welcome to the Principles of Management best practices. The topic being discussed here is: "Delegation: How to Delegate Effectively?".
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Javier Elenes
Business Consultant, Mexico
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First Clarify the Expected Results, then Delegate
I recommend to start by clarifying the expected re...
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Paramathmuni srinivas Kumar
India
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Mentoring Before Delegating
In my view, sufficient preparation and mentoring n...
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Jaap de Jonge
Editor, Netherlands
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Tips on How to Delegate Effectively
Thank you Genevieve. The ability to delegate well ...
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Mike Walsh, United Kingdom
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Delegation as a Negative Tactic
Delegation should be a positive and enabling exper...
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Andrew Blaine
Business Consultant, South Africa
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Why Should You Delegate?
The primary reason for delegating is to permit the...
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Howell
Strategy Consultant, Canada
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Delegation - Best Practice
I have found the key to successful delegation is c...
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Otieno
Manager, Kenya
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Benefits of Delegation for Both Parties
Delegation gives the delegee an opportunity to lea...
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Abel Anyolo
Student (MBA), Kenya
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Successful Delegation as a Manager
For a successful delegation, managers need to be c...
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Paolo Pozzi
Business Consultant, Italy
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Delegation: Mind the Details!
I support @Javier Elenes's points.
In addition I ...
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Murty Magda Pane
Lecturer, Indonesia
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Delegation and Leadership
In my opinion, delegation is always aligned to lea...
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Shaheen Lakdawalla
Malaysia
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Delegation is a Leadership Style
Delegation is a leadership style. In my opinion th...
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Hussain Abdulla
Entrepreneur, Bahrain
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How to Delegate Depends of the Type of Organization
I think delegation depends on the type of organiza...
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Jaap de Jonge
Editor, Netherlands
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RE: Delegation and Leadership
@Murty Magda Pane: I don't know if there is actual...
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Rakesh Bhatia
India
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Delegation and Trust
Let's define Delegation as: sharing responsibility...
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Francis Joseph
United Kingdom
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Delegation, Leadership and Team Building
For the purposes of promoting team work, trust, ef...
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Jose A. De las Rivas
Management Consultant, Spain
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Delegation is a Leadership Style for Poor or Lazy Leaders
In my personal point of view, a manager can delega...
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fulayi
Zambia
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Advantages of Delegation for Team Members
The team leader is not the only one who sees the a...
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pradeep deo
Strategy Consultant, India
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When to Delegate or to Hire a Consultant
Effective leadership knows the art of delegation. ...
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Ranjeet Menon
Project Manager, India
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Delegation Promotes Growth of People
Kotter's 8 steps of transformation can serve as gu...
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Emmanuel Mwirichia
Manager, Kenya
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Empowering Really Helps
The lack of a structured manner of delegation lead...
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Andrew Blaine
Business Consultant, South Africa
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Delegation Without Authority is a Miser's Gift
@Ranjeet Menon: If a Manager delegates to a subord...
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Ranjeet Menon
Project Manager, India
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Key Aspect of Delegating Authority
@Andrew Blaine: First of all, no responsibility co...
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Andrew Blaine
Business Consultant, South Africa
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Trust and Authority
@Ranjeet Menon: Thank you for your response. May I...
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jorge anibal hoyos hoyos
Manager, Colombia
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Delegation Must Be Well Prepared
The employees must be prepared to receive responsi...
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Ofwono Willy Osinde
Project Manager, Uganda
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When to Delegate and Why
In most cases, managers delegate when they are pre...
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jorge anibal hoyos hoyos
Manager, Colombia
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When to Delegate? It Depends on…
There are I think no clear rules that exist to det...
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mchelu
Teacher, Tanzania
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Why Managers Should Delegate Responsibilities
A manager is accountable to delegate responsibilit...
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Candy Geiger
United States
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Re: Delegation is a Leadership Style
@Shaheen Lakdawalla: I want to comment/clarify the...
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Jaap de Jonge
Editor, Netherlands
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From Doing to Leading
As your responsibilities as a manager or leader co...
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Hong Sun
Management Consultant, Canada
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7 Levels of Delegation (Appelo)
Jurgen Appelo, the prominent author of the book Ma...
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