Learn the Art of Delegating

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If everybody in a family helps create the work, why shouldn’t everybody join in getting things done?

So long as one person works double time, however, few others are likely to pitch in and help.

That’s why delegating is important. Whether you are volunteering within a local group, serving on a committee at work or dealing with a family situation, dividing large tasks into smaller segments that can be shared is beneficial for everyone involved.

Don’t let guilt feelings interfere with good intentions. If you find it difficult to delegate, follow these suggestions:

• Define responsibilities clearly. Allow for individual differences in the way tasks are done, but define requirements to provide consistency.
• Delegate complete segments of a task. Make sure others can see the end goal. Others may lack motivation if they are asked to do only bits and pieces of a project.
• Give feedback. Be honest and accurate in your assessment. Emphasize what went wrong, not who did something wrong. Praise efforts of family members and expect some mistakes in the beginning.
• Set goals and performance standards. Discuss expectations and deadlines for particular tasks. It may be helpful to write out responsibilities and deadlines.
• Provide support. Share your knowledge, information and plans. If special skills are required, teach others or provide the means for them to learn them.
• Share decision making. Let others have a voice in the plan. If you ask your spouse to do grocery shopping, let that person plan the schedule and decide if it is easier to go once or twice a month.
• Let go of authority. Transferring authority to others allows a feeling of personal success or failure. Perhaps the most difficult part of delegating is letting go.
• Remember to say "thank you". After a job is done, acknowledge the accomplishments of others. Commend and encourage family members as they learn new responsibilities.

Also See:

• K-State University Research & Extension Family Life publication - Managing Time Work & Family, Delegating

Karen Elliott, Karen.Elliott@oznet.ksu.edu
County Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Johnson County, Kansas
Kansas State University Research and Extension