Online Custom «Delegation and Its Techniques» Essay Sample

The Discussion of the Delegation Process

Proper delegation involves the ability to give someone the responsibility of a certain task, understanding how they will accomplish it and the authority required to complete it. Effective delegation has always been a subject of considerable exhortation even though it can be a weak link in the realm of correctional management (Gladwin & McConnell, 2014). It stems from the fact that the process is often downplayed in respect to conscientious practice. Nevertheless, the advantage of the act is that it can benefit the manager, the employee and the organization at large due to a higher quality of work (Tracy, 2013). This explains why proper delegation and its techniques are important, and why one should always avoid errors while applying it.

The advantages of delegation can be partly attributed to the fact that employees are likely to do a better job when granted a personal accountability for a certain outcome (Gladwin & McConnell, 2014). However, it should be the prerogative of the employer to incorporate motivation in the process because the worker has a larger workload at their disposal. Motivation can be effective in ensuring adequate results. Moreover, effective delegation leaves managers with more time they can use to fulfill their own tasks or even assign them to others. Furthermore, the procedure can be successful when a party is accorded the resources and co-operation that are imperative for the completion of a certain task. In fact, this shows that there is a strong correlation between workforce empowerment and delegation of tasks.

Proper Delegation Techniques to Avoid Errors

Although the vast majority of individuals believe that the delegation process does not require any expertise or skill, it ought not to be taken for granted. In fact, such ignorance is the primary reason for delegation errors. The dynamics of delegation is overlooked because those responsible lack comprehensive understanding of the nature of the act (Leonard, 2012). They also fail to view delegation from the employee’s perspective, and this might be a precursor to major ramifications. In this respect, the main delegation technique is ensuring the recipient of a delegated task has the capability of executing it within the stipulated time and deliver exemplary results (Tracy, 2013). In particular, one should take time and make an evaluation of the individual who gets the assignment.

Another significant technique is defining the task and assessing ability as well as training needs. It is the prerogative of the manager to make sure their assignments are ready to be delegated and conform to the outlined delegation criteria. Moreover, they should check the availability of other individuals willing to fulfill the same job and whether they understand what is required of them. The rule of the thumb is that a manager or supervisor should not delegate a task if they cannot find credible recipients (Gladwin & McConnell, 2014).

In addition, enlightening the employee on why a particular task is being delegated and why it is being assigned to a specific party is also vital. This will help everyone use their time and skills and assist other people in growing while developing their full potential.

Before delegating a task, it is also imperative to ensure that it provides an opportunity to progress and evolve as well as make sure they have sufficient time to complete the assignment. How one delegates a task is important as well since they should adhere to certain principles (Tracy, 2013). These include articulating the desired outcome, pinpointing constrains and boundaries as well as empowering people in the delegation process. Additionally, one should not look at perfection when delegating because the primary objective should be ensuring the job has been done and not creating a masterpiece (Gladwin & McConnell, 2014). For this reason, the task recipient can only be expected to meet the standard of quality as well as the corresponding time frame.

Why Supervisors Should Delegate

Delegation enhances effectiveness as it allows work to be assigned to people whose skills are a better match for the specific task. Moreover, the efficiency lessens stress and gives the supervisor more time to plan for the next step. It also saves time because a manager should not only focus on goals but also other activities confined in the management process. Furthermore, the act inculcates development because the executive passes their skills and prowess to their team members. In fact, the growth is progressive because the supervisor will expect the subordinates to deploy the newly earned competencies every time they delegate a specific task. This gives the recipients enough room and space to flourish their abilities, thus, instilling a sense of importance in them. Similarly, the subordinates get more self-confident developing a sense of satisfaction.

In addition, delegation strengthens the relationship between supervisors and subordinates by making it more meaningful. Executives should consider delegating duties because it helps in ensuring the unity of team and helps employees in performing the assignments. However, before delegating authority, managers should make the workers understand their area of operation as well as the limits of their power. After all, good leadership does not revolve around sole execution of tasks but also the employment of strategies that get things done.

Delegation Errors in the Exercise

A common error in the delegation process is a failure to provide complete and precise instruction on what is required of the recipients. The miscommunication results in poor work done as those executing the task lack clear and precise directions to conform to (Gladwin & McConnell, 2014). The lack of understanding might encapsulate failure to point out what is to be achieved, required resources as well as the agreed deadlines. Therefore, it is imperative for supervisors to offer detailed instructions to ensure efficiency while delegating (Leonard, 2012).

Another error is focusing on results when managers do not give the subordinates a platform to make their own choices while executing a specific task. This creates frustration, and workers feel the executive does not acknowledge their ability to use their prowess. For this reason, supervisors should focus on the assignment results as opposed to the means and strategies used to achieve them. In fact, this will also encourage the employees to improve their skills and come up with more effective methods of fulfilling their duties.

One more delegation error is failure to check on progress to ensure the efficiency of the process (Leonard, 2012). When checking on progress, the supervisor should designate checkpoints to follow up without looking over employee’s shoulders and watching every move.

Conclusion

Delegation is a management technique and one of the core concepts of leadership. Supervisors should consider embracing the process as it enhances efficiency and promotes growth and development. However, despite the various perks of the act, most managers fail to exhibit the knowledge required to implement it effectively. As a result, they demonstrate poor delegation which might cause frustration, demotivation and confusion of other parties. Managers should ensure the delegation process is efficient by monitoring progress and giving feedback to the team members that will reduce the number of delegation errors. The importance of delegation in effective management cannot be underestimated as it is the key to organization just as authority is the key to managerial position.