Effective Delegating: Setting Your Team Up for Success
As a small business owner, you may find that building a team can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of your journey. While it's exciting to have support, you may often encounter obstacles that stem from miscommunication, misalignment of expectations, and the sheer difficulty of letting go of control. So let's explore some common challenges and how effective delegation can help overcome them.
The Common Challenges of Delegation
1. The 'No One Can Do It Right' Mentality
Ever feel like no one can seem to do their job right? This is a common frustration for many leaders, especially when starting to build a team. When you're used to managing tasks yourself, it can be hard to accept that others may approach the work differently. However, it's crucial to remember that different doesn't mean wrong. Just because a team member chose a different approach doesn't mean they didn’t put thought into their decision. It’s important to take accountability if you haven’t provided all the necessary information for them to understand what was expected (they can't be expected to read your mind). Embrace the unique strengths and perspectives your team members bring to the table, you just might be amazed by what they can do (remember, you hired them for a reason).
2. The Need for Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
One of the cornerstones of effective delegation is the establishment of clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These detailed guidelines outline how tasks should be performed, ensuring that everyone on your team understands their responsibilities and the standards expected of them. SOPs not only streamline operations but also minimize confusion, allowing your team to work more efficiently.
PRO TIP: You don't have to create the SOPs before you hire or train someone. Instead, have them document the SOPs as you train them. Not only does this help them to better understand and retain the steps involved, but it gives them an opportunity to help to build your systems and processes.
3. Setting Your Team Up for Success with IPO
A key aspect of delegation is ensuring that your team is set up for success. This means providing all the necessary details for a task, which can be summarized in what Mike Michalowicz refers to as the IPO: Information, Permissions, and Outcome (or Objective).
Information: Provide context and specifics about the task so team members know exactly what is required of them. Think of what information you would require to complete the task, and ensure that details are not missed.
Permissions: Empower your team with the authority to make decisions related to their tasks, fostering autonomy and accountability. If they will need access to apps or programs ensure that this has been set up.
Outcome: Clearly define the desired results, ensuring everyone understands the end goal and what you hope to achieve with the task.
Taking the time to outline your expectations and specifying the desired outcomes can drastically reduce the back-and-forth questions and avoid the need for your team to read your mind.
Effective delegation is a vital skill that can make or break your small business as it grows. By addressing common challenges, establishing clear SOPs, and setting your team up for success through the IPO framework, you can create a more productive and harmonious work environment. Remember, empowering your team not only helps you as a leader but also fosters an atmosphere where everyone can thrive. As you navigate this journey, keep in mind that the success of your business depends on the collective strengths of your team, and that starts with effective delegation.
If you're looking to enhance your delegation skills and streamline your business growth, I invite you to book a call with me. Together, we can identify the areas where you need support and create a tailored plan to help you and your team thrive.