Delegation: How to Delegate Effectively?




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Genevieve Northup
Editor, Germany

Delegation: How to Delegate Effectively?

WHAT IS DELEGATION?
Fayol's 13nd principle ("Initiative") is related 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 mistakenly regard the passing on of "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:
  1. SELECT RIGHT PEOPLE: Select employees with the knowledge and willpower to take on responsibilities.
  2. 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.
  3. 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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3
Javier Elenes
Business Consultant, Mexico
 

First Clarify the Expected Results, then Delegate

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Paramathmuni srinivas Kumar
India
 

Mentoring Before Delegating

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11
Jaap de Jonge
Editor, Netherlands
 

Tips on How to Delegate Effectively

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Mike Walsh, United Kingdom
 

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Andrew Blaine
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Murty Magda Pane
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Jaap de Jonge
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Andrew Blaine
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Ranjeet Menon
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@Andrew Blaine: First of all, no responsibility comes without an associated authority. To prepare pe... Sign up

 
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Andrew Blaine
Business Consultant, South Africa
 

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@Ranjeet Menon: Thank you for your response. May I suggest that in your response you replace "author... Sign up

 
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jorge anibal hoyos hoyos
Manager, Colombia
 

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Ofwono Willy Osinde
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jorge anibal hoyos hoyos
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When to Delegate? It Depends on…

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mchelu
Teacher, Tanzania
 

Why Managers Should Delegate Responsibilities

A manager is accountable to delegate responsibilities to: Prepare subordinates for higher manag... Sign up

 
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Candy Geiger
United States
 

Re: Delegation is a Leadership Style

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Jaap de Jonge
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Frederic A Parker
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