Continued from page 1
On other hand someone who is given responsibility for a result and is measured by it will nine times out of ten live up fully to his new role. He will accept that he is to be measured and judged by his results and he will appreciate being left to decide by himself how to achieve them.
This does of course assume that he has basic ability, skills, and knowledge,
So start by ensuring that staff to whom you delegate have tools necessary. Make sure that skills, materials, working environment, knowledge, are all in place.
Be quite clear about what you expect from them. Make certain that required results, quality, and timelines are all fully understood.
Then make it clear that you want them to act on their own initiative. Tell them that you are there to help if they are really stuck but that otherwise they are on their own. Give them authority they will need in order to deal with others, and make sure that others know that they have it.
Most people if given responsibility (coupled with skills and knowledge) will grow into it. Most people will do a better job when trusted than when watched and supervised every little step of way.
Empower your staff and everybody wins.
Arthur Cooper is a business consultant, writer and publisher. For his mini-course ‘Better Management’ go to: http://www.barrel-publishing.com/better_management.shtml