Are you drowning in tasks and wish you could clone yourself? If so, let’s just stop for a moment. What if I told you there was a way to increase productivity, create a more efficient hotel team, and even find time to relax with a margarita by the pool? Spoiler Alert: The secret sauce is delegation.
Delegation, while simple in concept, often becomes something many managers struggle with. It is a foundational tool for a successful hotel manager but implementing it effectively can be tricky. Below is a guide that will help you understand how to delegate tasks to boost your efficiency and free up some much-deserved leisure time.
The Power of Delegation
According to the experts, delegation doesn't reduce the work; it redistributes it. However, it's not like playing hot potato with a task; effective delegation strengthens your team by developing their skills and abilities which reflects in the success of your hotel. Robert Townsend was onto something when he said, “A good leader does not lead by towering over people, but by pushing them from behind.”
Developing a Delegation Plan
Effective delegation isn't just about handing off tasks willy-nilly. It requires understanding your team's strengths, setting clear expectations, and then following up regularly. Well, it also means fighting the urge to micromanage (which, trust me, is harder than wrestling a gator in a waterbed!).
Embracing Employee Strengths
Understanding your staff’s strengths will allow for effective delegation. Delegate tasks that align with individual employee skillsets. For example, don’t hand over social media management to someone who still uses a flip phone! Jokes aside, when tasks align with someone's skills, they are more likely to succeed and enjoy their work.
Setting Clear Expectations
When delegating any task, it's essential to set clear expectations. Our jobs aren't like the instructions for building IKEA furniture -- they can't be vague and open-ended. Give your employees a clear vision, resources, and a timeline to prevent hiccups.
The Follow-Up Factor
Following up is the secret ingredient to effective delegation. Regularly checking in with your team members will prevent tasks from slipping through the cracks and keep communication lines open.
Learning how to delegate effectively is an ongoing journey. Like any skill, it takes practice, patience, and probably a handful of mistakes to get it right. However, once you do, it can be a true game-changer for managing your hotel.
References: Townsend, R. (1970). A Good Leader Pushes the Team From Behind. Up The Organization.
