Delegation is good but empowerment is better. Building a business is like one big project in delegation. In the beginning you wear all of the hats and as cash flow allows you methodically hire and train others to do things you no longer have time to do or need to be doing. It’s arguably one of the most important skills a business owner can have.
Good delegation involves documenting systems and communicating to someone else how to get to an outcome, until they have shown you they can do it well – then establishing checkpoints to ensure it continues to be done to your expectation.
Think of the word delegation and what it means to you. Now, think of the word empowerment and what that word means to you. Empowerment suggests a whole other level of support and energy. Empowerment infers sharing your power and that is what great delegation is. When people feel empowered, they act intentionally and pro actively. They act with a sense of ownership and pride that involves not only their ability but their heart and soul. And that is what we all want from our team.
In a nutshell:
Delegation is assigning responsibility and authority to someone in order to complete a clearly defined and agreed upon task while you retain ultimate responsibility for its success. Delegation incorporates empowering your team and employees through effective leadership, and should be used in all organisations.
