7 Tips on How to Delegate

"Let go to get others going."

As leaders we know we should delegate, but do we actually do it?  I read a great article today about what happens when I fail to delegate.  To me, the biggest issue of failing to delegate is the missed opportunities of allowing others to grow and develop in a various roles.

It's rookie, selfish, and prideful to fail at delegation.  You need to delegate; but you need to do so wisely.

Here are 7 quick tips on how to delegate wisely:

1. Acknowledge what you can giveaway.  Somethings you must do because you're the only one who can do them; most things others can do and you need to let them help.  Let go to get others going.  That's building volunteers and leaders!

2. Pray for a volunteer/leader.  If there's a genuine need, God has already made the provision.  Ask Him to connect you with the person right for the job.

3. Have a standard.  Someone who is warm and walks isn't good enough.  A good way to discern whether or not a person is right for the task is to have a simple standard in play.  A standard for potential workers along these lines will help you: (1) saved, (2) growing, and (3) willing to help.  Don't look for perfection; that comes through discipleship.

4. Sell the role.  It's easy to recruit if you package the offer correctly.  Serving the Lord is an opportunity not a burden.  You can tell someone that you need them to do 2 hours of data entry, or you can explain how you really want to see more people get saved and getting a list of these names in a contact database will help the outreach process.  Which approach points out the opportunity of the task?  Use that approach.

5. Spell the role.  Clearly define what you need done.  If the job is somewhat complex, did you put it in writing so they have the objectives for reference?  Present a deadline so they have a target.  Make sure they have resources like your email and cell number to contact you at anytime should a problem arise.

6. Go hands-free.  Recruit then release.  Most people don't appreciate micromanagement in ministry, especially if they're competent, responsible people at home and at work.  You want to empower people by allowing them to do the job that you have clearly defined for them (See Tip #5).

7. Follow up.  Once the task is completed, debrief.  Find out what the joys and struggles were.  Ask if they would like to help in a similar capacity again.  It's in the context of follow-up that you just might discover your next star leader.

Don't rob someone of their chance to grow and develop as volunteers and leaders. Determine to start delegating wisely this week.