by Dennis Aubuchon

Created on: December 24, 2011

Managers and especially those who are new in the position must understand the concept of delegation.  It is part of being a manager.  Individuals sometimes feel they need to do the work themselves but they fast come to the realization they must delegate functions to others.  This has nothing to do with normal work assignments but delegating certain responsibilities that are not specifically identified within a position description.  Most employee responsibilities are identified within their work scope and include the statement other duties as assigned.  This is where the delegation function falls into play.

Granted certain functions are solely the responsibility of a manager and cannot be delegated.  These are usually distinguishable in the responsibilities they have such as employee appraisals, approving vacation and sick time and corrective action decisions among others.  Many duties and responsibilities assigned to managers involve the requirement to ensure functions get performed by those whom a manager trusts to accomplish them.   

Delegation does not necessarily mean a manager is not involved only that he/she does not have involvement with detailed decisions which need to be made.  The key to delegating also involves identifying the guidelines with which an employee performs the functions for which they are delegated.  Guidelines should also involve policies in place to ensure individuals understand organizational or manager policies in making certain decisions.  Employees in making decisions should have the leverage and responsibility of making decisions without direct involvement from their manager. 

Workload in many organizations is high and as such there may be so many individuals that a manager would spend their entire day answering questions and making decisions for delegated functions.  This would not be productive.  This is why delegation of specific functions is deemed necessary by a manager is necessary.  The key in choosing an individual to perform specific functions is being able to trust someone for accomplishing the tasks assigned.  Sometimes it is necessary to assign duties to develop the talents of individuals and to determine their capabilities which may not necessarily be readily identifiable.  Managers need to give employees a chance to prove themselves in what they can do not only for them but the organization as a whole.  This is how

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