Delegation Delivers Results

You are an entrepreneur. You create the company vision, manage operations and handle details. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or small business owner with a number of employees, plan to delegate. The solo entrepreneur may not have the funds to hire a full time staffer. Consider a part-time employee, contract employee or intern to help with specific tasks. Free your time from mundane activities, so you can concentrate on delivering a quality product or service, as well as making those all important sales.

When you are running a business, you have to depend on other people to handle some of the task you don’t have time to do yourself. Delegation is one of the toughest jobs to learn. Entrepreneurs are take charge individuals. Many an entrepreneur has said " I can do that better myself." Beware of such words. If all you had to do was that one item, chances are you could do it better yourself. However, you have a long to do list already; some projects are best delegated and supervised. It takes discipline to let go of tasks both simple and complex. Consider delegation as part of your overall plan for the business, even the owner needs a break. You need to plan for contingencies, such as an illness or time to take a vacation.

Select the right people to undertake delegated duties. Evaluate interns, part-time employees and contractors carefully. Provide time for orientation and training. If you have a staff of employees, begin cross-training so there are back-up systems for your absence or the absence of a key employees. From your employees, choose competent employees with an interest in new tasks. Delegation can be an opportunity to learn new skills and/or take on added responsibility. Don’t hand off tasks without discussion and training if needed.

Employees should be valued. Delegation should provide an opportunity for you to ease your workload and communicate to the employee that you are entrusting him or her with the tasks because of your confidence in the employee’s abilities.

Clearly define responsibilities and the authority that accompanies the task. Be sure to plan on recognizing and rewarding employees, who assume additional duties. If employees step up to the plate, you want to be sure and demonstrate appreciation for the extra effort.

The team of people to whom you delegate responsibility must be responsible for their own actions and results, as well as for those they may supervise. Request periodic written reports and staff meetings to provide a forum for comments on activities, accomplishments and challenges. Become the communicator and facilitator for the work of company. Bring the big picture into focus. When it makes sense delegate. Free your time to be the president. Create an environment that allows for the company and its workload to grow, without overburdening you. As the owner, your vision and management ability are best served, when details are managed rather than when you complete tasks yourself.

If you would like to discuss workload, delegation and effective leadership, contact the SCORE Association (Service Corps of retired Executives). SCORE is a nonprofit volunteer service organization that provides free business counseling and mentoring to entrepreneurs. All counseling is offered as a confidential service free-of-charge. SCORE has assisted more than 3.5 million entrepreneurs. Call 1 (800) 634-0245, for a referral to the SCORE chapter nearest you.

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