Don't Delegate Dumbly

Source: The Boomer Bulletin

In this article Jim Boomer "provides tips and techniques to improve the delegation process and help you to transition from doing things yourself to doing things through others." He offers reasons (do these sound familiar?) why CPAs don't delegate:

• "No one other than I can do it."
• "Only I can do it correctly."
• "Everyone is busy, and there is no one to delegate to."
• "I will spend just as much time giving direction as I would simply doing it myself."

And he provides a good list of do's and don'ts. Here are some paraphrases and excerpts from the "don'ts:"

• Expect the delegate to read your mind.
• Expect the delegate to know your expectations, criteria, timelines and authority levels unless you communicate them.
• Practice "drive-by" delegation.
• Use convenience (the first person you see) to delegate as it often results in a mismatch between talents and the task/decision.
• Underestimate the time and effort required.
• Fail to collaborate with the delegate to determine realistic timelines.
• Micromanage.
• Misjudge the level of authority that should be delegated. It will determine how closely you should manage the delegate. It should always be clearly communicated so there are no surprises.
• Delegate your unique abilities. Unique abilities are those that you do best and enjoy doing. They are also those that typically add the most value to the firm. Do not delegate activities that you are highly skilled to perform!

For the complete article, click here and select "Five Steps to Effective Delegation," December 20, 2009.

From The Boomer Bulletin 2010, Boomer Consulting, Inc., www.boomer.com.