Time Management with Efficient Delegation

Delegation is often listed as an important effective time management technique, however unless efficient delegation occurs, delegation can actually cause more problems than it solves. In this article we consider how you can efficiently delegate tasks in order to save you time.

Efficient Delegation for Effective Time Management Requires Clarity of Tasks

In order to delegate efficiently both you and the person you are delegating work to, need to be clear on what exactly the task you are delegating involves. Before speaking to the person ensure that you are clear in your own mind about what exactly you want the person to do – write out a clear statement of what needs to be done, what you want to accomplish by this task and when you want the task done by. If you are not clear on this you will constantly be worrying about whether the person is doing what you want them to do. When you speak to the person you should show them a clear project description – what you want done, how you want it done and when you want it done by. Ask them to repeat back to you what you have just told them to ensure they have understood what you are saying. If you are clear on the specifics then you will be more able to hand the task over and focus on other tasks for more effective time management.

Efficient Delegation Requires Choosing the Right Person

For efficient delegation to occur for more effective time management you need to choose the right person for the job. Once you have created the project description think carefully through who would be best suited to handle this task. The person you delegate the task to should be able to complete the task at least as effectively as you could do it yourself and maybe even better if they have skills in this area which you do not. Never delegate something to someone you are not sure will be able to handle it or you will constantly be worrying about the task when you should be focusing on other tasks. If a task slightly stretches a person but they can do it effectively then you do not need to worry, but don’t choose someone who cannot effectively fulfill the task.

Efficient Delegation Requires a Good Communication and Feedback System

For effective time management to occur through efficient delegation there needs to be a good communication and feedback system in place. You and the person you have delegated the task to should set a means of communication as well as how often you want feedback regarding the project. If you are receiving good communication and feedback then you will be able to hand the task over to the other person with confidence.

Efficient Delegation Requires a Measuring System

In order to ensure efficient delegation you and the person you have delegated the task to should both have some way of measuring when and how effectively the task has been accomplished. A good measuring system allows for effective time management not only on your part but also allows the person doing the task to set SMART goals for accomplishing the task with the measuring system you have chosen and within the timeframe you have stipulated.

In conclusion, efficient delegation for effective time management requires both parties being clear on the specifics of what the project entails, choosing the right person for the job, having a good communication and feedback system, and a way of measuring when and how effectively the task has been accomplished. Efficient delegation means that you can completely hand the task over and forget about it, knowing that the person will do the task according to your specifications and in the timeframe you have set. This allows you to focus on other tasks for more efficient time management.