One thing we should all be doing better is delegating tasks. In our Getting Things Done workshop, David Allen teaches that when you are processing your to-do items or emails, you should be asking yourself the question, “am I the right person to do this?” We are often tempted to say yes. And how often do we say to ourselves that it will take longer to explain it to someone else and make sure it’s done correctly than to just do it? This reasoning can really bog us down in things that would be better handled by a team member or by one of our fantastic student employees. I’ve also seen this many times at church where the only real function some counselors or secretaries have is attending meetings. This could easily apply to kids as well. We could do much better at utilizing the resources around us so that we don’t burn out.
Delegating starts with asking “am I the right person to do this?” If we can possibly say no, then the next step is to identify who would be the right person. Then immediately get the task to them. Forward the email, send a new email, text, or sticky note to that person asking them to do the task. Don’t wait to do it later. Remember to give enough direction so they can at least get started and provide a deadline, even if it is arbitrary. Deadlines help prioritize actions. Keep a list of things you delegate for easy follow-up. It is as simple as writing on a list: Wayne – draft for training proposal by June 30. Identify who, what and when. The key is to actually follow up. People will rise to our expectations.
Your challenge this week is to delegate 5 tasks that you are tempted to do yourself. Test it out. Have someone draft an email, register you for a webinar, make an appointment, pay a bill, or wash that car. If you want to get out of the thick of thin things, work on your delegation.