Overcoming one of leaders' greatest struggles

It takes a confident leader to give others authority.

Many leaders feel the burden is to do the work, to make the decisions, to fix the problems. Allowing others to own the problem and solution is often viewed as an unnecessary risk.

More seasoned leaders have often mastered the natural tension between doing or delegating, their greater challenge is often engaging the team fully. This requires allowing others to make mistakes, even costly ones. But these mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities and the "cost" is viewed as the price of education. When an employee has been given authority within boundaries and makes a mistake, he or she is not likely to make that mistake again. However, not being punished provides the confidence needed to use their greatest problem-solving skills and take greater ownership over the process and the outcome.

This level of ownership creates a growth culture. People know their ideas count. Trust among the team grows because they model the behavior of the leader.

Here are 3 steps any leader can take to improve delegation.

1. Ask the right questions so the team identifies the greatest challenge.

2. Toss them the problem.

3. Provide guidelines but not the solution.

Many of our clients have accomplished this level of leadership by putting these theories, and 6 mission-critical others, into practice.

Want to know more? Email JoUmberger@TrainSpeakCoach.com