What kind of tasks should I delegate?

Short Answer: You should delegate tasks that are technical, or tasks that you either don’t know how to do or don’t have the time to do yourself. The key is to clearly understand what needs to be done, then hand off the task to someone else who can execute it.

Full Explanation

Delegating effectively means recognizing the tasks that fall outside your expertise or availability. If a task requires specialized technical skills that you lack, or if your schedule doesn’t allow you enough time to complete it properly, those are prime candidates for delegation. The crucial part is to have a clear understanding of what the task entails. Once you know the objective and scope of the task, you can confidently assign it to someone who is better equipped to handle it.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Identify the task: Understand exactly what needs to be accomplished.
Assess your ability and time: Determine whether you have the necessary skills and availability to perform the task.
Decide to delegate: If the task is technical or time-consuming and you can’t do it, commit to delegating it.
Select the right person: Choose someone with the appropriate skills or capacity to handle the task effectively.
Communicate clearly: Provide detailed instructions or objectives to ensure the task is completed as needed.

Real Examples

While specific examples aren’t provided, the principle is straightforward: if a task is beyond your technical skills or you’re pressed for time, handing it off is the right approach. This might be anything from complex technical work to routine tasks that would otherwise consume your limited time.

Common Mistakes

Trying to do everything yourself: Not delegating technical or time-intensive tasks can lead to inefficiency.
Unclear delegation: Failing to understand what the task fully involves can result in poor outcomes when passing it along.
Choosing the wrong person: Assigning a task to someone without the right skills or availability can cause delays.

FAQs

Q: How do I know what tasks are technical?
Technical tasks are those that require specific knowledge or skills you might not possess.

Q: What if I don’t have someone to delegate to?
If you lack someone suitable, you may need to prioritize learning the task or managing your time differently.

Key Takeaways

Delegate tasks that require technical skills you don’t have.
Delegate tasks when you don’t have enough time to complete them.
Ensure you fully understand what needs to be done before delegating.
Choose the right person and communicate the task clearly.