Are You on Overload? Delegation is One Key

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5-Communication is key. Many people fall short here. You need to have a clear picture of outcome you want and communicate it clearly to person who will do it. Often we take for granted that other person knows, when in fact, because they are creative in their own way, they may produce a very different outcome than one you envision. 6-Think through degree of difficulty and if it is not simple, make a plan as step #1. Explain to person who will be doing task why it needs to be done a certain way by a certain time. Build in check-in points and a timeline to meet deadlines. 7-Overall, keep these points in mind: a) Assess each task regarding appropriateness to delegate, b) who would be best person to ask to do it, c) make sure you are very clear in communicating how and what you want, d) what measures will you use regarding deadlines and quality of work? e) remember to express respect and appreciation for person helping you. 8-Now that you’ve relinquished task, use time wisely, prioritize everything you are doing and don’t forget to schedule time for non- work on your priority list. The benefits of proper delegation go beyond getting rid of some of your burdens and opening up your time. The exercise of thinking through and choosing what and to whom, forces you to focus on important details such as: what are your true strengths, interests, passions and skills. What are those of others who surround you? Delegating well requires you to better your communication skills of articulating clearly, listening and showing appreciation. Before you rush into filling free time with other tasks, take some time to look inside and ask yourself important questions. What is balance between things you enjoy and things you do not in your daily schedule? What additional changes can you make now or in future to increase positives for you and decrease negatives? You may not be able to make gigantic changes quickly, but baby steps will also get you where you want to go. I welcome your comments and experiences.

Dorene Lehavi, Ph.D. is principal of Next Level Business and Professional Coaching. She coaches Professionals and Business Partners. You can get a free sample of her ebook, Stop Doing What You Hate…Start Doing What You Love at http://www.StartDoingWhatYouLove.com. Contact Dr. Lehavi at Dorene@CoachingforYourNextLevel.com or on the web at http://www.CoachingforYourNextLevel.com

A Happy Professional Chooses Clients

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Which clients are pleasant? Which are high maintenance, have high expectations, cause you grief because of unrealistic demands on your time and attention? Which pay on time and which are in arrears? Which clients are worth your time, aggravation and effect they have on your health and enjoyment of what you do? Note details that constitute a pleasant client or a miserable one. Use information you glean from this exercise to choose new clients more intelligently. Perhaps find ways to bring present client projects to closure or make a referral to someone else in your network. Additionally, can you honestly say you are best professional for all of your clients or did you accept some of them because of your policy to accept everyone? Rate yourself and your staff on how well you meet reasonable expectations. Ask for feedback about your service from clients you value. Act on it. Holding yourself and your clients to a high level of integrity will serve you well in attracting right ones to you and you will benefit in other ways: lowered stress, more time for yourself and family, more pleasant work environment, more efficiency, and a happier staff.

Dorene Lehavi, Ph.D. is principal of Next Level Business and Professional Coaching. She coaches Professionals and Business Partners. You can get a free sample of her ebook, Stop Doing What You Hate…Start Doing What You Love at http://www.StartDoingWhatYouLove.com. Contact Dr. Lehavi at Dorene@CoachingforYourNextLevel.com or on the web at http://www.CoachingforYourNextLevel.com