One of the key areas managers attending our courses are keen to know is how to delegate.  Many managers don’t know how to delegate effectively and we cover this in detail on our management courses.  However, it’s really important that before we know how to delegate we must first understand why. Managers that don't delegate run the risk of poor motivated staff and poor time management, especially if they are trying to do everything themselves.

So why do we delegate and what advantages does it bring:

motivation – when staff are given a job to do it motivates and encourages; we are giving them responsibility.  Therefore, if we are doing this correctly, their motivation to do more increases.

development – one of the key reasons why we delegate to anyone is so they are developed.  A developed workforce is a highly effective one.  Of course, many managers don’t for selfish reasons, they think it takes too long or they actually like doing the work.  Remember, it’s not about you it’s about them and staff need developing.

encourages team thinking – again if implemented correctly effective delegation aids common issues regarding accountability and responsibility.  Individuals feel more involved and therefore will not want to let anyone down.

aids better communication – from both sides, if individuals experience new areas it can really help in better understanding and greater awareness of other roles.

aids time management – we all have the same amount of time it’s what we do with it that counts.  There is no doubt all managers will benefit from delegating to aid time management.  Of course many will tell you it takes too long to do (especially if you do it incorrectly) but the benefits can be massive when we learn how to do it right.

Remember though it is delegation and not abdication.  Abdication is getting rid of a job because we don't want to do it, that is negative behaviour and will have the opposite effect. So that’s why we delegate and effective delegation is a key aspect of every effective manager and the more we do it correctly, the better we become.  Ralph Moody is the founder of Target Training and specialises in trainer and management development.  You can read more about him here.  You can read more about the management courses Ralph delivers training on including the prestigious Foundation Management Development Programme (FMDP) here.