A professional having issues with delegating tasks is quite common, but certainly not in order. It shows a lack of Leadership Skills but not necessarily management one’s.
There are many professionals who would rather do the task themselves than ask someone to do same. The matter becomes more complicated , when they are younger and with less years of service than those intended to be tasked.
The fear of confrontation, outright refusals and rifts in working relations make , the young professional becomes hesitant in taking decisions and be feel constantly restricted and almost almost always , in a state of physical and mental stress.
Managing with so much of stress and uncertainties, is neither good for the well being of the professional nor for his department and much less for his team.
Everyone is a loser, the work environment turns heavy and its no more a pleasure to go to work. It turns nightmarish.
Right away , I would like to reassure these professionals that , they are not doing bad. They have simply not been properly, coached, mentored and trained on Leadership Skills.
Reading about these skills from books and practicing them are quite two different experiences. In theory someone may have scored very high on leadership module, but in practice , he was just able to pull it up, with lots of difficulties, realizing the gap in theory and practice.
Whenever, I have such clients, the fastest way to progress, is not to teach the whole leadership course or to inform them to take some online ones.
I simply asked them to describe me their difficulties and in what context it happened. From there, I quickly make them understand their shortcomings ,its impact on their role and teach them how to fix same. Through role playing, I act like their subordinate and test how far they have learned to fix their shortcomings. They confirm their learning at the workplace, till they are confident.
The results are generally very impressive. Within days they are transformed and could radiate vibes of confidence , control and coolness in getting their tasks delegated and completed.
Just like those acquainted with horse riding pertinently know that the animal can sense the confidence of the rider. If they sense fear , it would take them for a ride. But if it sense confidence, it will be the most obedient horse, for a joyful ride.
Delegation is not an issue, Leadership Skills are. Therefore, make sure your management staffs are properly trained to be Leaders and Less Bosses.
