The Tightrope Walk of Delegation: Mastering the Art as a General Manager in Small to Medium Sized Companies
Ever feel like a circus performer juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope? No, this isn't the beginning of a bad joke. This may be how you feel as a General Manager of a small to medium-sized company. Enough with the metaphor already, let's get real!
The Challenge
Being a General Manager (GM) is not an easy task. It's a balancing act between management and leadership. Among all the responsibilities that GMs tackle, one of the most challenging is delegation.
The Paradox of Delegation
A research study by Harvard Business Review found that managers often struggle with delegation, despite understanding its importance. This manifests in an overburdened GM and an under-utilized team.
But hey, who said walking on a tightrope is easy? Time to unpack the art — and the heart — of effective delegation in small to medium businesses (SMBs).
Unleash The Power Of Trust
Your team's performance reflects your trust in them. I know, I know. It's easier said than done. But think about it - if you trust them with complex tasks, it conveys a strong message about your faith in their capabilities. A study by the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that trust between a leader and team resulted in high commitment and performance.
Clarity Holds The Key
Don't assume your team knows what's in your head. Unless of course, you've hired Professor Xavier's team from X-Men, in which case, disregard this entire post (and call me, I have questions).
Provide clear instructions and objectives. A study by the International Journal of Business and Management found that unclear instructions lead to repeated mistakes.
Feedback - The Stepping Stone To Improvement
Feedback is a two-way street. Engage in feedback sessions, point out areas of improvement and appreciate the good work. As reported by Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback perform better.
The Bottom Line
Remember, delegation is not about dumping tasks onto your team. It's about empowering them, fostering a sense of responsibility, and building a stronger team.
And lastly, here's a nugget for all you general managers out there:
"Why don't we tell secrets at the office anymore? Because the last time we did, they ended up in the delegation notes."
References:
HBR, "Why Aren't You Delegating?" https://hbr.org/2012/07/why-arent-you-delegatingJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, "The relationship between leader-member exchange and commitment amongst military personnel." https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2044-8325.1997.tb00656.x
International Journal of Business and Management, "The Association Between Ineffective Delegation and Leadership Styles: A Conceptual Study" https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339721227
Gallup, "Feedback for Real" https://www.gallup.com/workplace/249098/feedback-real.aspx
