Power to the People

F alling down on the job, and it's not because of fatigue or frozen daiquiris? Are you Unbalanced? Overscheduled? And blaming it on everything from lack of time to a workload that's too heavy? Take a moment and look to yourself. You want things done right, and that usually means doing it yourself, right? Wrong! It's time to talk about the "D" word: delegate.

A great leader surrounds him or herself with great talent. Do you recognize strengths in your staff? If not, it is definitely time to rediscover their strong suits.

Get out that yellow pad and write each co-worker's name on a separate piece of paper. Then list their pluses - and minuses. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see what's staring back at you. Untapped talent that translates into taking ownership. Therein lies the key. Giving ownership to each employee increases responsibility, sparks motivation and realizes goals - and that means revenue!

Your obsession with perfection not only frustrates you, it also frustrates your employees. Rather than slow down the team, pass the ball and let them run with it. A successful front line changes with each challenge. Delegation means trusting others to handle those challenges. If you provide the necessary equipment - i.e., clear goals, specific guidelines and room for creativity - your co-workers won't let you down, they'll lighten that heavy load.

Delegation also means maintaining organization. Establish a reporting system whereby the "delegatees" keep you informed of their progress, their setbacks and their successes. You are there to offer advice, praise and polish. Rely on others for action. Everyone reaps the benefits.

The "Independent" in ISO doesn't necessarily mean being an island. Empowering your people powers your corporate persona. Get personal with them. Sharing sticky situations that are causing you stress just might elicit a soothing strategy. Delegation means deliverance.

Feeling any lighter yet?