Mastering Delegation: A Crucial Linking Skill for High Performing Teams

Task Linking Skill: Delegation

Delegation is one of the most important Linking Skills a leader can have. It allows team members to take on tasks and develop new skills, leading to a more productive and efficient team. However, delegation is not just about handing off tasks to others. It is a process that involves proper training, support, and finding the appropriate balance.

To start the delegation process, leaders must first identify which tasks can be completed by others. Once identified, team members who are available and have the necessary skills should be approached and asked to take on the tasks. However, delegation doesn't end there. Leaders need to provide proper training and support to ensure that the team members taking on the tasks feel competent and confident. By providing the necessary training and support, team members will be able to demonstrate their competence in the work they produce.

Finding the appropriate balance in delegation is crucial. Overly prescriptive delegation can lead to micromanagement, which can be demotivating. On the other hand, having too much of a hands-off approach can result in confusion and inefficiencies. The key is to strike a balance that works for the team and the tasks at hand.

In high-performing teams, delegation may not be necessary. Team members will actively negotiate and allocate tasks among themselves in a way that is the most efficient for the team as a whole. However, for teams with less autonomy, delegation is an important skill for leaders to have.

Delegation is a process that starts from the moment someone joins the team. The five-step process of selection, training, building competence, confidence, and trust leads to successful delegation. Leaders must trust that their team members will do the job according to their standards, which can only happen when they have confidence in their team members' skills, knowledge, and abilities. This confidence is developed by allowing team members to demonstrate their competence through proper training and support.

In conclusion, delegation is an important Linking Skill that allows leaders to transfer work responsibilities to others. By following the five-step process and finding the appropriate balance, leaders can develop their team members' skills, knowledge, and abilities, leading to a more productive and efficient team. Remember, delegation is not just about handing off tasks; it is a process that involves proper training, support, and finding the appropriate balance for the team and the tasks at hand.