Create Time by Delegating

Want to accomplish more, but there never seems to be enough hours in a day? You’re definitely not alone if you ever feel like you’re falling behind on projects important to you. Yes, it’s sometimes difficult to relinquish “control,” but you could possibly create time by delegating an “opportunity” for someone else to learn a new skill!

Create time by delegating

The first step is to document what you currently do with your time – both professionally and personally. Write down all the tasks you perform in a day. Then, for each one, ask yourself these questions to help determine whether you should delegate certain tasks to someone else:

Why? If you keep doing the same things over and over again, you will get the same results over and over! If you want the time to do new things and make progress in your career, hand tasks over to make room for the new.

Who? Mentees you teach or the peer who is better at it than you!

How? Explain what you expect them to learn and lay out specifics about requirements, deadlines and why you want it done. Provide tools, resources and examples. Also, remove (or at least identify) any obstacles. Once it’s done, follow up and provide specific feedback, then let them try it again!

When? When you’re out of time (and aren’t we all?) and need to devote energy to more important tasks. When you have the confidence to ask peers to take on additional tasks. When you can allow others to do it their way!

Want to learn more?

One of the most requested courses I present for on-site teams is How to Manage an Audit Project. In this live and customized 16+ hour Yellow Book CPE class, you learn how to keep a handle on project quality, scope and resources while communicating clearly with stakeholders. I also cover how to develop your staff, delegate technical tasks to team members and enhance your skills as a servant leader. Email me for more information.