{"id":464,"date":"2021-02-09T01:34:11","date_gmt":"2021-02-09T01:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/allred10.com\/?p=464"},"modified":"2021-03-02T15:24:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-02T15:24:27","slug":"delegation-an-essential-leadership-skill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allred10.com\/?p=464","title":{"rendered":"Delegation – An Essential Leadership Skill"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"man-158378_640\"During my 35 year professional career as a CPA, an auditor, a CFO, a CEO and a COO, I have worked with many, many leaders of organizations.\u00a0 These organizations range from a one man mechanic\u2019s shop to a local Rotary Club, and to a Fortune 300 oil company.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The ability to delegate is single most essential leadership skill\u00a0for organizational growth.\u00a0 Even the most brilliant entrepreneur can only grow his\/her business if there is someone else who can take some of the workload.\u00a0 A good example is a dentist.\u00a0 If the dentist works alone, the only billable hours are those the dentist works.\u00a0 If the dentist is sick or takes a vacation, there are no billable hours \u2013 no revenue \u2013 no cash coming into the business.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In order to grow, the dentist would hire an assistant, then a receptionist, and then a contract hygienist and another assistant.\u00a0 The dentist would delegate necessary activities to the employees that do not require a dental license.\u00a0 Once the dentist has more patients than can he\/she can treat, the dentist hires an associate.\u00a0 Then, the dentist\u2019s practice expands to an additional office on the other side of town, and so forth.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This same principal applies to all businesses and organizations.\u00a0 Since the ability to grow is limited by the ability to delegate work, mastering the following principles of delegation is critical for every exceptional leader<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This is an acrostic that I wrote in a book I co-authored with my brother, Russ Allred, called The Family Business \u2013 Power Tools for Survival, Success & Succession<\/em> (Berkley Books, New York 1997).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

D<\/span><\/span>etermine who should do the job<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

You have to really know your team and have the ability to hire and retain those who are qualified to do a job that is worthy of your business.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

E<\/span><\/span>xpress confidence in their ability<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Since you chose the person to do the job, tell them why you are confident that they will do a good job.\u00a0 A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

L<\/span><\/span>et them know what you expect<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Exceptional leaders do not throw their employees into deep water and expect them to learn how to swim.\u00a0 Exceptional leaders explain the purpose of the project, offer all the information they will need and answer their questions.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

E<\/span><\/span>stablish a negotiated deadline<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It is unreasonable to assign a deadline without getting input from the person doing the job.\u00a0 Dictating an unrealistic deadline is a sure way to achieve failure.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

G<\/span><\/span>et a commitment to the job and the deadline<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This step allows everyone to confirm what needs to be done and when it needs to be finished.\u00a0 Commitment produces miracles.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/span><\/span>llow them to use their imagination and initiative<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When you chose who was going to do the job, you decided that they were qualified.\u00a0 So, get out of their way and let them impress you with what they can do.\u00a0 It might not be the same as you would do it because it might be better.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

T<\/span><\/span>rain them by following up, not taking over<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Follow-up and communication is essential to every delegated duty.\u00a0 Mid-course corrections often need to be made.\u00a0 Collaboration will help you and your employees find a better solution.\u00a0 If your part is to nit-pick, complain and take-over, it is you that is the limiting factor in your business.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

E<\/span><\/span>xpress appreciation for actual results<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hollow compliments, because they sound good and make you seem like a nice person, are detrimental to an organization and to your credibility.\u00a0 On the other hand, a genuine compliment that includes details as to why you are complimenting, is one of the most motivating things you can do for your organization and each individual employee.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you use these principles of delegation, my experience shows, you will be a better and more persuasive leader<\/a><\/span> and those whom you lead will be more satisfied and produce results beyond your expectations.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/span>
\nA version of this article was published by Accounting Today<\/em> here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/strong>