Delegation involves assigning tasks and responsibilities to subordinates while providing them with the necessary authority to complete the tasks. There are four levels of involvement a leader can take when delegating - directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Effective delegation includes three key elements: authority, responsibility, and accountability. Delegating tasks has benefits like freeing up time for leaders, developing skills in subordinates, and improving efficiency. The 10 steps for effective delegation are: identifying the task; choosing who to delegate to; confirming interest; clearly defining the task; clarifying authority and accountability; establishing timeframes; expressing confidence; monitoring progress; giving credit; and reviewing.
Delegation involves assigning tasks and responsibilities to subordinates while providing them with the necessary authority to complete the tasks. There are four levels of involvement a leader can take when delegating - directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Effective delegation includes three key elements: authority, responsibility, and accountability. Delegating tasks has benefits like freeing up time for leaders, developing skills in subordinates, and improving efficiency. The 10 steps for effective delegation are: identifying the task; choosing who to delegate to; confirming interest; clearly defining the task; clarifying authority and accountability; establishing timeframes; expressing confidence; monitoring progress; giving credit; and reviewing.
Delegation involves assigning tasks and responsibilities to subordinates while providing them with the necessary authority to complete the tasks. There are four levels of involvement a leader can take when delegating - directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Effective delegation includes three key elements: authority, responsibility, and accountability. Delegating tasks has benefits like freeing up time for leaders, developing skills in subordinates, and improving efficiency. The 10 steps for effective delegation are: identifying the task; choosing who to delegate to; confirming interest; clearly defining the task; clarifying authority and accountability; establishing timeframes; expressing confidence; monitoring progress; giving credit; and reviewing.
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
DELEGATION & PARTICIPATION
MODULE 3- ASSESSMENT
Answers the following:
1. What is Delegation? Delegation is commonly defined as the shifting of authority and responsibility for particular functions, tasks or decisions from one person(usually a leader or manager) to another.
2. Defined the Following
Directing -This approach is for subordinates who are least experienced in completing the desired task and may suffer from low selfconfidence. Leaders in these situations need to do a lot of directing, as in overseeing projects closely and offering regular instructional guidance, to ensure that the team member is clear on what needs to happen and in what way Coaching -which involves questioning to create awareness and personal responsibility, is appropriate for subordinates that are a bit more advanced but still need a lot of direction. Through coaching, a leader involves the subordinate more in determining how to do things and helps push things along when the subordinate’s initial enthusiasm for the project invariably starts to wane. At this stage, the leader still decides. Supporting -Over time, the subordinate becomes more comfortable and takes on added responsibility and leadership. The leader’s role in this sage is to continue to support the subordinate through conversation but allows the subordinate increased decision-making authority. Delegating -In this fourth and final stage, the subordinate “owns” the project and is largely left alone to achieve the necessary outcome, once the context of the task and goal are discussed.
3. What are the 3 element of delegation and explain each element.
Authority: One of the essential elements of delegation is authority which is the power to complete an assigned task. Without authority a subordinate is unable to execute the task perfectly. In order to complete the task as is expected by the manager, the manager has to provide authority of executing that task to the subordinate. Responsibility: Responsibility is another element of delegation which is assigning the subordinate a task that needs to be executed. When the superior assigns any task to the subordinate it becomes the obligation of the subordinate to perform that task with responsibility. Accountability: Accountability element of delegation refers to the answerability of a subordinate to his superior for the job or task that is assigned. Accountability flows in an upward direction, which means the subordinate is accountable to the superior.
4. What is the Benefits of Delegating?
•Gives you the time and ability to focus on higher-level tasks.
• Gives others the ability to learn and develop new skills.
• Develops trust between workers and improves communication.
•Improves efficiency, productivity, and time management.
5. Enumerate the 10 Steps for Effective Delegation and explain each steps.
1) Identify the task- clarify what tasks should be delegated.
2) Choose who to delegate the task to- consider who the best person is to do this task. Is there someone who may be even better and faster than you are at doing it? Who has the skill set already? If there is no one, who has the aptitude to learn the skills needed to complete the task? Has the person you chose established that they are capable, trustworthy, and can follow through? Do they have the time for the task? 3) Confirm level of interest-Highly motivated employees will usually be excited that they have been selected for a task, and feel empowered by you asking them. If they are not interested, or only express lukewarm interest, it may be an indicator of a larger issue related to workload, aptitude, or what brings them satisfaction. Make sure they are committed and on board with the project 4) Clearly define the task-Begin with the end in mind and clearly articulate desired results. When clarifying task specifics, be sure to focus on the final result, not the how to part. It is often helpful to offer general suggestions on how they might proceed along with appropriate training, but be clear that they are in charge of how they get to the desired outcome 5) Clarify level of responsibility, authority, and accountability- Name the level of responsibility, authority, and accountability you are giving them. Clearly set out these levels at the beginning of the process. What are the reasons that they should come to you for feedback and approval? This will vary from person to person and from task to task. Ask and assess if they are comfortable with the level of responsibility, authority, and level of resourcing 6) Establish timeframes and completion date- Clearly agree upon a task completion date and when certain phases of the task should be completed. Consider having this in written format to avoid misinterpretation or confusion. Be clear about what completion looks like, and that both of you are in agreement to these timeframes. Be sure to discuss how much time each day or week is appropriate to give to the task. Consider how the time needed for this new task will impact their other work. 7) Express confidence-Let employees know that you believe in them and their ability to do this task. People typically live up to – or down to – the expectations we place upon them. One of the most powerful ways to build confidence in your employees is to express your positive expectations of them. Using phrases like “I know that with dedication and hard work you will be able to do this.” while simple and brief, can be inspiring to the person hearing these words. 8) Monitor progress and give feedback- Establish a process of receiving periodic updates. This helps to hold the employee accountable. Stay close enough to be available for questions and to ensure everything goes well, but not so close that you are actually the one making the decisions. Be sure to avoid micro-managing the tasks as this undermines the authority you have handed over. 9) Give credit- Whatever you do, don’t take the credit yourself. When the task is completed give credit where credit is due. Giving credit for a job well done inspires loyalty and continued commitment to new tasks. When possible give public praise and recognition for a job well done. 10) Review- Once you’ve delegated a task and it has been completed, pay attention to the results and learn from mistakes. Change the way you approach things, and tweak your approach as needed. Once someone has succeeded at one task, consider if they are ready for a more significant one.