(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

You can t do everything. Sometimes you need to delegate to others. Effective delegation is one of the hallmarks of a successful leader or manager. When you give a task to someone and also give them the authority to execute, you are doing effective delegation. Clearly communicated expectations about actions, resources, processes, and dates are components of effective delegation. But the key point is that you remain in the feedback loop in some way and take some responsibility for the outcome.

When you abdicate you “wash your hands of the matter.” “It s no longer my responsibility” is a sign of abdication. If you find yourself blaming someone or feeling victimized by their performance of a task which you assigned them, you may have abdicated.

A good delegator is interested in growing people. Everyone gets better.

An abdicator is interested in covering their own tail. It becomes a lonely place to live.

 

Copyright 2004 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.