Delegate for the Win!

As much as we want to, we cannot do it all!  I know it is hard to let go but in order for us to be effective as managers and all around #bossbabes, we have to delegate tasks to others.  And we can't just delegate; we have to delegate effectively! But how? Here are some ideas on how to delegate to others in the workplace (and life) for the win!

One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten on how to treat and work with those that report to you in the workplace came through an MBA professor - Luis Martins. He said in order for someone to be an effective manager they have to learn to delegate. That means they have to be good at getting work done through other people. That seems intuitive to most but I submit it is not. And delegating well is even harder.

People want to hang on to control over not just the type of task delegated but the "how" of the task, i.e. they want to control every aspect of how the delegated task gets done. The problem then becomes the effect of this type of managerial behavior on managers' work and on those that report to them. When managers try to control the "how", managers are failing to manage. They are doing, not managing.

Further, the direct reports feel like they are being micromanaged. They feel their boss finds them incompetent and untrustworthy. Those kinds of feelings do not create a healthy working environment. Managers have to trust their reports, give them the task, and then release their reports to do the task.

So the takeaways: Trust your delegates. You manage, don't do. It will foster a better work environment for all and allow you to do the job of a manager (and all the other things you need to do!).  And don't forget to consider this in your personal life as well....

I always think you delegate best when you feel your best!  Here are some of my work staples to mix and match featured here in this post. This jacket comes in five colors ($118) and is really versatile.  The top is on sale just $26 and the leggings are just $61 both available in all sizes! The top is great t o wear for easy after work happy hour or date night! And doesn't a red purse say I can delegate like a pro! Click on the pictures below to be taken directly to the products!