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How to delegate to already overwhelmed team members…

Dear H2

My manager regularly tells me that I don't delegate enough. This may be true, but I can't help feeling that if I do delegate more work to my team members, that I will lose their respect and they won't be able to cope.

Is there something I can do to appease my own boss, without putting undue strain on already overwhelmed team members?

Thanks - S

Dear S

Unless you can see all the benefits of delegation (to you and to the delegate) then you will never do it. We suggest that you begin by identifying all the things that stop you from delegating, and then all the benefits. Hopefully the benefits will outweigh the downsides, and you will be able to find some practical ways of minimising the areas of real concern.

For example, if you are worried that they'll never be able to do as good a job as you, try to ensure that you give clear and concise instructions before they begin - then agree with them how and when they need to report back to you on progress.

It may be that it's a good time for you and your team to analyse where their time is spent, and whether there are alternative ways of doing things that will save time, whilst maintaining quality/productivity. Having prioritised the work, you will probably find that there is more room for delegating - and your team members will probably appreciate the opportunity to learn some new skills and take on new challenges.

Good luck with it!

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