DELEGATING WITH PRESENCE

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Blackberries buzzing. E-mails arriving. Colleagues and staff asking for your input on their projects. Leaders in our workshops often tell us that they wish they could manage their time more effectively. But how?

Why not delegate…with presence?

Good leaders don’t “dump” their work on people. They delegate in a way that makes the other person feel that they are being presented with an opportunity to add value. This approach involves giving your full attention while describing the project so that the person taking it on feels recognized and motivated. It also requires good relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate your decisions in an effective and authentic way. All of these elements are contained in our PRES model for Leadership Presence.

Next time you need help with your workload, try following the below process:
Delegating with Presence

1. Feed the relationship: “I really value your work here and feel that you are one of the few people I can trust to help me out.”

2. Check in: “Can I share an idea I have?”

3. Ask for help with warmth: “I’ve been asked to get X done and I don’t have the bandwidth. Would you be able to help me out?”

4. Be present and listen: “I think this would be a great chance for you to learn some new skills and also gain some visibility. I’m hoping you can do X. What do you think?” (then listen and address any concerns).

Approaching a staff member in this way balances the need for you to manage your calendar and the need for the organization to get certain tasks done. Plus, it helps develop your staff.

Tags: Carol Lempert,facilitator advice,InterMission Newsletter,management tips,presence,relationship building