Delegation Tips
This page brings together a special series of short, practical delegation tips, originally shared in a simple bulletin format and followed by leaders over an extended period of time.
The Daily Tips quickly became a valued resource for managers looking to delegate more effectively and lead with greater confidence.
Although the series has now come to an end, I’m pleased to say these tips are still highly relevant, well regarded and frequently referenced by leaders today. The fundamentals of good delegation don’t change, and each tip offers timeless practical guidance that can be applied immediately in day-to-day leadership situations.
I’m featuring this collection for you as an ongoing resource, drawing on my experience of working closely with executives and leadership teams.
I hope they continue to support you in developing stronger teams, greater clarity and more effective leadership.
Dave Stitt, MCC
Demotivated and evasive
What do you do if someone is stuck, and has become demotivated and evasive? Very tricky for British managers …
There ought to be a law
Imagine if it was against the law to work more than five hours a day. You still have to fulfil all your accountabilities but, if you break the law, you lose your job and go to jail. What would you do differently?
No phones
I was surprised and annoyed at how normal it was for grown-up executives to zone out and fiddle with their phones in the midst of a really important discussion.
Free Days
Are you overworked? For an indication, count up the number of Free Days you’ve had in the last few months. Here’s what I mean by Free Days …
Routines
They conserve energy and prevent the need to reinvent wheels, but they also stunt growth.
Stay civil
We were supposed to be leaving the EU today, but it turns out we’re not. Powerful voices lament and seethe about the mess we’re in, threatening all manner of darkness and upheaval. We should relax.
Take a closer look at people
We don’t need “more trust”, we need more trustworthiness, and you may find there’s more of that about than you think …
Meaning and work
The headline read: “Construction executive among dead in Ethiopian Airlines crash”. It’s a sad story, but unexpectedly inspiring …
Money as motivator
As a leader you’ll be limited in terms of how much cash or perks you can dangle in front of your people. The good news is, that’s not what they really want …
What you love and excel at
Probably the most compelling reason to master delegation is that it gives the right people the freedom to do the right things, starting with you.
The perfect delegation
After the almighty row, Ben sauntered up to my desk, smiled, and said “Dave, I think you’re ready to start doing the Agent’s Report. You pull it together and I’ll sign it.”
Don’t despair
Are you worried about Brexit? I am, even though I’m not in the direct path of the meteor strike. Many are, though, and fear for their jobs, homes and businesses. It might help to consider the Stockdale Paradox.