Delegation for people development

Just as the pressure for performance increases (making good delegation all the more imperative) many managers delegate less, partly because pressure increases their fear of failing. First of all, what is delegation and what sorts of tasks should you delegate? Try quiz to see if you might be disempowering your team.

Barriers to delegation - which of the following applies to you?

• I delegate, but mainly routine stuff.
• I make sure I tell people exactly how I want the work done.
• I delegate but I have to chase people to get things done.
• When I delegate I assume it will happen so I don't follow up.
• I delegate reluctantly because I feel I lose control when I do.
• I do things myself to maintain my professional expertise.
• I keep a close eye on details because we can't afford mistakes.
• No one on my team has the skills/experience for important tasks.
  
• The following are under Time Management but relate to delegation:
  
  • I prefer to do things myself rather than delegate.
  • My team is overloaded already. I can't ask them to do more.
  • I keep on top of everything in case I'm asked a question.

Tips on how to delegate well.