Delegation is the catalyst behind the growth of any business or team. Entrepreneurs and leaders must choose control or growth. They can't have both. If growth is your choice, then you must delegate.
To delegate means to entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.
When delegating, leaders must delegate authority not just the task. Delegating tasks creates followers. Delegating authority creates leaders. Empower your team to make it better.
Perhaps the generation most interested in being on the receiving end of delegation are Millennials. Seventy-one percent of Millennials likely to leave a company in the next two years are unhappy with how their leadership skills are being developed. Seventy-five percent of Millennials believe their organizations could do more to develop future leaders.
Besides building trust and saving time, the other benefit of delegation is the opportunity it provides to develop future leaders.
How to effectively delegate to Millennials.
1. Select strategically.
Choose the right person for the project. If you're having difficulty finding the right person, you may have a hiring problem.
2. Clarify expectations.
Explain the results you are looking for and what success will look like. Delegation without details is a disaster.
3. Grant full authority.
Full ownership creates a breeding ground for new leaders to rise.
4. Provide feedback.
Inspect what you expect by scheduling check-ins and checkpoints. Offer input but avoid interference.
5. Evaluate the outcome.
Correct or celebrate based on the results.
Delegation is a two-way street, the delegating leader must set the tone of the team with their integrity and work ethic, and the team needs to deliver for the leader.
If growth is your goal, make delegation a priority.
Consider Ryan Jenkins to be your next Millennial/Generation Y or Generation Z keynote speaker by clicking here...
This article was originally posted on Ryan's Inc.com column, Next Generation Insights.
