From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Delegating effectively

From the course: Administrative Professional Tips

Delegating effectively

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- As administrative support professionals, we are normally the ones who have work projects delegated to us, yet we also need to be aware of how we can best delegate work to others when appropriate. There are certainly times when work assignments fall outside of our area of responsibility, or if the task can best be handled by someone else in the organization. When that is the case, we have to be ready to transfer work effectively and decisively. In my case, I have avoided delegating because I often think I am the only person who can do things in a way that I think is best. Instead of taking this approach, I have found ways to effectively delegate when I need to. Although there are certain tasks I can't turn over to anyone else due to the confidential nature, there are ones that I can that allow my work day to run more smoothly. Delegating work has a number of benefits that can be realized immediately. When we delegate well, we are then able to focus on higher-priority tasks and are more productive. It also helps to promote teamwork, and give other confidence in taking on higher level responsibilities. Here are some ways that I have learned to delegate effectively. First, learn how to ask for help when you need it the most. That is something I have had to learn with experience. Prior to coming to this realization, I thought it was a sign of weakness to ask for help. I have learned that reaching out for help when you need it the most is really a sign of strength. When you have reached your capacity, the act of trying to go beyond that is detrimental to you and those you support. You become overwhelmed and are prone to errors when you take on more than you can realistically handle. Instead, reach out to peers, subordinates, and even those above you when you need help. Next, enlist help from people whose skills match best with what you need assistance with. It would be a disservice to them, as well as myself, if I asked someone to perform tasks that they are not trained for, or qualified to do. Instead, I do my best to match my needs with the qualifications of those in a position to help me. Lastly, communicate clearly on what your needs are and exactly how you would like something done. In other words, document, document, document. Put everything in writing, so that there are no miscommunications that can cause a deadline to be missed or have something be done incorrectly. The person receiving the task will be appreciative of this, as well. Delegation is an effective tool to help you manage your time and your priorities so that you can handle your workload on a daily basis. When you competently build this skill, it will be noticed, and you will be positioned for greater levels of responsibility.

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