In my dealings with IT leaders and managers, one consistent stress is the overall lack of time. There is simply too much to do and not enough hours in the days, nights, and weekends to get it done! While I don’t have a way to change the time/space continuum, I do have a solution: delegation.
Frequently, IT leaders are reluctant to delegate. The main reasons are loss of time should the work not be completed on schedule, and the risks associated with errors impacting other systems. However, running on overload may carry more risks - and make your team look slow to act and not agile. For many tasks great and small, delegation is a way to improve delivery times and offer employees new opportunities to shine.
Delegating is much more than assigning tasks to others or telling someone what to do. Delegation requires a management process ensuring the tasks and projects you hand-off are completed on time, on budget, and with a high degree of quality – by a well-trained employee. The following is a basic six-step process you should consider before delegating any task to an IT employee:
Find the right employee. Not all employees excel at highly visible, quick turn-around projects. Look at what the project requires and match both the hard and soft skills to the best employee on your team.
Communicate clearly and specifically. Describe the task or project, your expectations, and key aspects which might not be obvious. The goal is to share everything your employee needs to succeed.
Create a work and resource plan. Don’t assume the employee will plan the project as you would – help them plan it. Also, be clear on tools and resources available. Be sure the plan includes key milestones, touch-point meetings, and other means to keep you informed and the work on track.
Set generous deadlines. It’s important to set deadlines which take into account a learning curve, bumps in the road, and probably a few errors. Remember the deadlines should be based on when the work can be accomplished by the employee you have assigned vs. when you would have it completed.
If it is not already, delegating should be part of your regular approach to IT management. The benefits to you and your organization make establishing and supporting a successful delegation process more than worth the time investment.