Let the Boss be the Boss

There is a cardinal rule of delegation that goes like this: The one thing you cannot delegate is your own job… because, by definition, it is YOUR job. In other words… any task that is central to your authority and responsibility. That might include things like… crafting the budget for your area of responsibility; hiring and firing; performance reviews; work assignments for your team; authorizing spending. It also includes establishing clear priorities for the work—which tasks are most important and require your team’s efforts RIGHT NOW. There is nothing more frustrating than a boss who tries to avoid their responsibilities by assigning them to team members. That’s bad management! If YOUR boss tries to do that to YOU, it is entirely appropriate for you to hand those responsibilities back to your boss. Watch this next BossByte to see an example of what I am talking about.

Let the boss be the Boss! And give those responsibilities back to your Boss. Do it firmly, but politely, professionally, respectfully… and without condescension, anger, or resentment.