DELEGATION

WHY IS IT DIFFICULT?

Many student leaders find it difficult to delegate. There are a number of reasons for this including: preferring to do the job themselves and see that it is done right; not wanting to impose large responsibilities on other members of the group; some of the spotlight is moved away from the leader. While doing it all yourself may get the job done, it can create apathy among non-involved members of the group.

Sometimes, leaders make the mistake of delegating only the menial work, while keeping the appealing tasks for themselves. This can give members a feeling of being used, rather than being important. The following are some simple guidelines to determine delegating responsibilities.

WHEN TO DELEGATE:

• When there is a lot of work to be done in a limited amount of time.

• When you feel someone else has particular qualifications that would suit the task.

• When someone expresses interest in the task.

• When you think that a particular person might benefit from the responsibility.

DON'T DELEGATE:

• Things that are usually your specified responsibilities, except in emergencies.

• Something that you yourself would not be willing to do.

• A task to someone who may not possess the capabilities necessary to complete the job. (Never guarantee failure for members of your group.)

• The leftovers.

METHODS FOR DELEGATING

• Ask for volunteers. Explain the task and see who is interested.

• Match talents. Don't take over tasks yourself when your request for volunteers is met with silence. Select people with talents for the task and express confidence in their abilities.

• Spread the good tasks around. Avoid favouritism amongst members of your group.

GUIDELINES FOR DELEGATING

• Co-ordinate and keep communication open with the various people in the group.

• Ensure that the task has been clearly defined and has a set deadline.

• Facilitate the accomplishment of getting those tasks done, but don't take over.

• Remember the importance of tact and concern.

• If things aren't getting done, find out why and act on it.

OBSTACLES TO DELEGATION . . . AND SOLUTIONS

• You are limited by the ``I can do it better myself'' fallacy. You feel the only way to finish work correctly is to do the work yourself . . . start with small tasks given to others and increase with each success

• You do not know which tasks to delegate . . . ask others what they are comfortable with

• You lack confidence in a volunteer's ability to make proper decisions . . . have them check in with you on a regular basis but less often as they earn your confidence

• You feel you will lose control of the work and will not know what is happening . . . have the group approve a plan of action

• You are particularly interested in the work and want to do it yourself because you get satisfaction from this personal involvement . . . satisfaction can come from sharing success

WHY GROUP MEMBERS MAY NOT ACCEPT DELEGATION

• They find it easier to ask the person in charge than to make a decision by themselves.

• They do not understand their own authority level; therefore, they are indecisive.

• They fear criticism of their mistakes and may lack self-confidence.

• They lack resources and necessary information to do a job.

• They feel the incentives are inadequate to motivate them.

This has been adapted from the NLC Leadership Curriculum Guide.
Used with permission. pp. 22--24.

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