Delegation- The new Leadership Style

In recent decade, more companies are focused on fostering an environment where employees are  empowered to make strategic decisions and actions that affect the organization. Companies are embracing this new culture because it is the first step to become a customer-oriented company. This culture has made employees more competent and committed to their work. This has lead managers and leaders change their  leadership style to "Delegating".

This style not only has best of the best employees  in the company but also helps the organization collectively accomplish beyond its limits.

Art of Effective Delegation:

1) Cultivate Development.- Culture of development fosters thought sharing processes and encourages employees to activiely particiapte and think innovatively. Philosophy of cultivating development will help leaders not only identify  employees likes and dislikes but also their abilities and aptitude to learn new skills.

2) Explain the Big Picture:- When you delegate activities to your employees explain them the big picture and also how their part plays a  significant role in the success of the team and the organization. Staff members contribute most effectively when they are aware of the big picture.

3) Delegate as many task as possible:- Generally, leaders try to hold on to the important task even though it's neither their area of expertise nor best use of their time. Don't delegate task based on importance, delegate based on your team's abilities. As John Maxwell said "If someone else can do a task better than I can, I give it away. If someone else can do a task at least 80% as well as I can, I give it to them. If someone else has the potential to do a task at least 80% as well as I can, I train them."

4) Communication/Feedback:- This is very crucial to the success of delegation style leadership. You should be very clear in your expectation when delegating the task to your employees.  Make sure the employee understands the task and the deliverable. Have a feedback loop where employees can share their progress, accomplishments and roadblocks.You must pass on credit and appreciate employees for their success.

Successful delegation of authority as a leadership style takes time and energy. It's worth the time and energy to help employees succeed, develop and meet your expectations. You build the employee's self-confidence and people who feel successful usually are successful.