Stop Taking The Monkey Back: Mastering Delegation

 

Stop Taking the Monkey Back: Mastering Delegation and Accountability

Imagine a furry little problem – a "monkey" – clinging to your back, slowing you down. That's what happens when you take back delegated tasks. While helping seems natural, it creates dependency and stifles your team's growth. Let's learn how to effectively delegate, follow through, and hold your team accountable, leaving those monkeys where they belong.

Delegation Done Right:

• Clear Instructions: Articulate the task, desired outcome, timeline, and resources. Leave room for questions, but ensure team members understand their responsibilities.

• Match Skills and Interests: Consider individual strengths and preferences when assigning tasks. This fosters ownership and engagement.

• Empower, Don't Micromanage: Provide guidance, but resist controlling every step. Trust your team's capabilities and allow them to make decisions.

• Set Success Metrics: Define clear measures for evaluating progress and achievement. This keeps everyone aligned and focused.

Following Through Without Leashing the Monkey:

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule brief progress updates, not to breathe down necks, but to offer support and remove roadblocks.

• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge achievements and individual contributions to boost morale and reinforce desired behaviors.

• Focus on Learning: If things go awry, focus on identifying lessons learned, not assigning blame. Fostering a growth mindset keeps setbacks from becoming demotivating.

Holding the Team Accountable (Without Monkey Business):

• Clear Expectations: Communicate performance expectations upfront and set realistic deadlines.

• Transparent Feedback: Provide regular, constructive feedback that focuses on behaviors and performance, not personality.

• Consequences and Rewards: Establish clear consequences for missed deadlines or subpar work, alongside rewards for exceeding expectations.

• Ownership and Autonomy: Encourage team members to take ownership of their work and decisions. This fosters accountability and personal investment.

Breaking the Cycle:

When a team member tries to return the monkey, resist the urge to take it back. Instead, use phrases like:

• "Thank you for bringing this to me. Let's discuss how we can tackle it together."

• "I trust you have the skills to handle this. Reach out if you need specific support."

• "Remember the deadline and agreed-upon approach. I'm confident you can succeed!"

By empowering your team and holding them accountable, you not only free yourself from the burden of micromanagement, but also cultivate a capable and self-sufficient workforce. Let go of the monkeys, and watch your team soar!

Remember, delegation is not about dumping tasks; it's about investing in your team's growth and creating a culture of ownership and accountability. So, unleash the potential within your team, and reclaim your time for more strategic pursuits. The success of your organization and your own well-being might just depend on it!

Article by Juan “Don Juan Cardova” Braxton Founder Don Motivation LLC