I was interested to read Peter Economy’s thoughts on delegation in a recent online Inc. blog (read it here), as I had not really thought much about there being different levels of delegations. It is obvious now that it is through delegation that a leader manages to achieve the objectives of the organisation, and to actually get things done. Leaders who claim not to be able to delegate to their staff merely highlight how ineffective they themselves have been at recruiting, training and managing their staff.
The article goes into some details as to each level, and where it is most effectively used, and is well worth the read. In summary, the five levels are:
Level 1 - Assess and Report
Level 2 - Recommend
Level 3 - Develop Action Plan
Level 4 - Make the Decision
Level 5 - Full Delegation
Ideally, as a leader you will be looking to develop people to the point where they are capable of operating at level 5, but realistically that will not be the case with everyone. The decision you then face is whether they can be developed further, or they have reached a level where they can still contribute to the organisation effectively, or if it is time to part ways. The tough stuff of leadership.
The Avondale Business School can help you and your team develop leadership skills – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168