This is one of the most fundamental (and popular!) definitions of management. It’s certainly a straightforward way of understanding one of the most important activities of a leader. But it’s a lot easier said than done, isn’t it? It turns out to be one of the most challenging aspects of day-to-day managing—giving assignments to subordinates, and making sure the work gets done right and gets done on time. Because, in the end, the buck really does stop with the leader—they are the one ultimately responsible for the result. I remember Rick Frost (CEO of Louisiana-Pacific) telling his top tier of executives, “You will never be a leader until you become comfortable taking responsibility for what other people do. At LP I am responsible for what every person in this company does!”
In my many years as a leader, management consultant, leadership trainer, and executive coach, I have met a significant number of leaders who struggled to be comfortable with that kind of responsibility. In a wonderful pair of resources, I provide a clear, step-by-step method for successful delegation. This information is not high-flying theory. It’s down-and-dirty practical tools and techniques—easy to understand and easy to apply. This is exactly what I have taught to thousands of managers and aspiring leaders in seminars and workshops all across the country and internationally. It’s yours for free! Issue #9 of The LeadershipTracks Newsletter outlines the 6 Levels of Delegating Authority. You can access it here. The companion edition of The Personal Trainer shows you exactly how to delegate effectively, using a logical, well-organized approach. You can access it here.
I encourage you to take a look; use the information with my blessing; and post a comment to let me know what you think!
