Coping with Stress- Workplace Techniques

Coping with Stress - Workplace Techniques

Delegating

 Delegation is the downward flow of formal authority - from superior to
subordinate. Why are some managers not in favour of delegating responsibility? Because:

• They feel that employees can never do anything as well as they can.
• They fear that something will go wrong if someone else takes over a job.
• They lack time for long-range planning because they are bogged down in dayto-
day operations.
• They sense they will be in the dark about emerging trends in the society.
The hazards of doing everything by oneself can include burnout and missed deadlines.
Managing indiduals should, however, realize that effective delegation of responsibility and authority
not only reduce stress on his part but also improve the quality and acceptance
of decisions, increase employee motivation, create sense of belonging and improve
interpersonal relations with employees. Besides, delegating also teaches a person to
communicate persuasively, supervise and expand his /her sphere of influence.

Here are a few of the keys to effective delegation.

1. Delegate it if someone else can do it, wants to do it, needs to do it or likes to do it.
2. When you delegate responsibility also delegate the authority to use the
resources to get it done.
3. Delegate results, not necessarily the methods.
4. When you delegate something don’t take it back.
5. Ensure the person understands what and why you have delegated to them.
6. Set benchmarks or checkpoints and then leave them alone.
7. Reinforce positive results and give feedback on negative results.
8. Communicate clear instructions, expectations and guidelines.
9. Recognize and accept that it won’t be done the way you would do it.
10. Use delegation as an employee development tool.
11. Resist the tendency to over inspect.
12. Put it in writing if necessary.
13. Ask for regular written or verbal reports.
14. Remember what you delegated and to whom.
15. See failure not as a negative but necessary, if people are to be willing to stretch,
learn and grow.