Pulse

“Delegation” may not have the allure of some management or leadership “have-to’s,” but it sure can lead to “Ah-ha!” moments for people leaders when they discover that sharing responsibility can be a catalyst for achieving extraordinary results.

I’ve had many of those “Ah-ha!” moments myself over the course of my career – the most recent one coinciding with my August vacation, during which I was able to wholeheartedly embrace family time – thanks to the exceptional support from Dave Fiereck and Steve Diaz. They took on additional tasks and handled unexpected challenges – and in doing so, provided me with valuable insights into our operations and unveiled some opportunities for improvement. 

But no matter how many times I witness the power of delegation, I still find that it’s one of the toughest leadership tools to put into practice. Because to delegate effectively, you have to let go of some common human barriers – lack of control, inability to trust, and fear of failure – to name a few.

I know I’m not alone in this struggle, so I wanted to spend a few minutes sharing thoughts about WHY delegation is such an important tool for our team at Loureiro, as well as some tips for embracing it and putting it to the most effective use.

First up…here’s why we need to make a collective effort to boost our delegation skills to do even MORE together:

• MORE Team Productivity: Delegation allows people leaders to distribute tasks and responsibilities among team members according to their skills and strengths. When we’re given tasks that align with our abilities and interests, we’re naturally more motivated and productive. And this leads to higher overall individual engagement and team performance and efficiency.
   
• MORE Skill Development: Delegating tasks offers team members opportunities to hone existing skills, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience. It promotes a culture of continuous learning throughout Loureiro – which definitely contributes to engagement and to our long-term growth and success.
   
• MORE Innovation: Team members who feel trusted and empowered to take on new responsibilities are more likely to come up with new ideas and approaches.
   
• MORE Perspectives: Delegating tasks to team members with different backgrounds and perspectives can lead to more creative problem-solving, a cornerstone for extraordinary outcomes.
   
• MORE Growth Potential: Delegating tasks helps distribute the workload and prevents leaders from becoming the bottleneck in the decision-making process – allowing us to take action and seize new opportunities faster.

Even when we embrace the idea of delegation, it’s still a challenging task, because it requires striking a delicate balance between control, trust, and responsibility for team success. Here are a few tips and best practices I’ve learned over the years:

• Know Your Team: Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and preferences of your team members is crucial for effective delegation. Match tasks to their skills and interests to maximize their motivation and productivity.
   
• Clearly Define Expectations: When delegating a task, be specific about your expectations. If you struggle with this as I do, try answering this question when delegating: “What does success look like to me?” or from Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience “Paint Done.” Clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
   
• Set Deadlines: Set and agree upon a date and time for the delegated tasks, and get an active commitment from the person you are delegating to. Deadlines help keep everyone focused and accountable.
   
• Provide Support and Resources: Ensure that those you are delegating to have access to the resources, information, and training they need to complete their delegated tasks successfully. Be available for guidance and support if they encounter challenges.  Remember, you are delegating, not abdicating!
   
• Trust Your Team: Trust your team members to deliver results and refrain from micromanaging. Give them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work – and above all, resist the urge to solve challenges for them. They might just amaze you with their innovation and unique approach to solving the problem!
   
• Communicate Effectively: Maintain open lines of communication, and encourage your team to ask questions, seek clarification, and provide updates on their progress. Regular check-ins are not micromanaging; they help address issues promptly and improve outcomes.
   
• Be Prepared for Mistakes: Understand that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Thomas Edison famously stated when inventing the light bulb, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Use each setback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Offer constructive feedback and support to help them address any issues that need fixing.
   
• Evaluate and Adjust: After delegating tasks, take the time to evaluate the outcomes. Analyze what worked well and what could be improved – and then use that input to increase future success.
  
  
• Acknowledge and Appreciate: Recognize and appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of those you delegate to. Positive and specific feedback reinforces motivation and commitment.

David Allen, one of the world's most influential thinkers on personal productivity, famously said, “You can do anything, but not everything.”

The Loureiro team can do anything together, but no one team member can do everything. That’s why delegation isn't just a leadership tool; it’s a strategic mindset that can drive organizational opportunity and growth, while supporting a collaborative environment where every team member can shine.

So, while this article may seem to be just for people leaders, the call to action here is for all team members. If there’s a specific interest you’d like to pursue – or challenge you’d like to tackle – I encourage you to speak up to your manager. The communication needed for effective delegation must go both ways to be successful.

Here’s one more favorite quote on delegation for good measure:

"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it."
– H.E. Luccock

We have an amazing “orchestra” at Loureiro, and the “symphony” we create together gets better and better – every day, every challenge, every project.

Play on, team!