Only great leaders really know how to delegate

Leadership: Why The Greatest Among Us Delegate

There are obvious advantages to delegating tasks and projects. And then there are those subtle effects that delegation has upon the development of team members. A great leader knows when to delegate – and why this is linchpin in his or her own success.

Why Is Delegating An Important Skill?

There’s a saying that the best leaders aren’t made, they’re born. But becoming an effective leader is all about developing the skills that the best leaders demonstrate. And one of them is the ability to delegate. Delegating is important for two very big and obvious reasons: it saves time and frees leaders up to focus on the more specialized things that need to get done. These are things that only a leader can tackle and lend expertise on. In essence, delegation is important for focusing on what really matters. Truly great leaders are not slave to detail and don’t feel the need to micro-manage and control. Which leads to another key point: delegation shows that leaders trust their teams. In a way, by delegating out tasks, leaders communicate confidence in the ability of team members to get the job done. This boosts morale and productivity.

How to Delegate Effectively

Incorporating delegation seamlessly into leadership style is what separates managers from leaders. To delegate effectively and become a truly great leader, follow these 6 standards:

1. Leaders should pick only the very best people to work with.

2. Delegate in a manner that members accept the task with pride.

3. Keep standards consistent and clearly communicate them.

4. Make sure to follow up with your team, take an interest.

5. Rather than micro-managing, give space and freedom to team members to complete the task.

6. Once the job is done, give credit where it’s due and share any wins with the whole team.

The truth is that delegation is often a quiet skill, not a loud and obvious event. Leaders who understand this are emotionally intelligent and know that their reputation is only as great as the function of their team as a unit. They understand that victory is never a solo feat but a team effort. And they know that a great team, like a great leader, is a process of refinement.