-Get stuff off my list.
-Put the best person on the job.
-Extend my authority to subordinate.
-Download responsibilities.
Delegating key tasks to subordinates empowers employees, increases job satisfaction, and is a great example of leadership. A business grows in direct proportion to the personal growth of its employees. If the members of your staff stagnate, become bored, and stop giving their best, your business will suffer.
Like any management tool, delegation can be abused. In absence of a clear purpose, delegating tasks that you do not want to do or do not have time to do his not an enlightened perspective. The purpose of delegation should have as its core motivation, management, and leadership.
If you start to think of your management philosophy as "organized delegation," then your perspective on management will shift from one of downloading of tasks to extending your authority and responsibilities to employees. It allows employees to make decisions based upon criteria and boundaries you define. Plus it also gives employees the opportunity to "be at the centre" of the action while extending your reach without being directly involved in the situation.
TIP: One of the things employees want most from their job is autonomy. They want to see that they are making a direct contribution to the health and vitality of the business. This gives them a feeling that they are important, that their work matters, and that they are capable and trustworthy.
Autonomy without accountability and responsibility demotes its importance and is like having a bunch of robots running around doing what they are told. Not exactly the picture of a company that is passionate and excited about serving and meeting customer needs. Anyone can delegate and download tasks. Not everyone can lead, empower, and build passion in the hearts of employees. It requires leadership and the ability to see the bigger picture and purpose of the business. Because a big part of the reward is in the work itself and through enlightened delegation, you can train, empower, and reward employees while getting important tasks accomplished.
Most importantly it extends your authority to the employee and by example teaches important leadership lessons. There is no better outcome to delegation than to know that you have a leader in waiting. This type of employee gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy vacations. Leader, begets leader, begets leader. Enlightened, empowered, and excited employees sounds like a profitable business venture to me!
