To be successful in your career, it’s important to learn how to delegate effectively. When you learn how to delegate tasks, you can save yourself time and energy. Delegation also allows you to free up your time and focus on more important things. This article will discuss the rules of effective delegation and provide some tips for getting started by drawing examples from the 2022 NBA World Champions Golden State Warriors.
The first rule of effective delegation is knowing how and when to delegate. Not everything can or should be delegated. You need to carefully consider each task and decide whether or not it can be effectively delegated. For example, simple and well-defined tasks are often good candidates for delegation. Tasks that are complex or require a lot of judgment are usually not good candidates for delegation. In professional sports, great head coaches like Steve Kerr, have found techniques on how to manage delegation without losing control and turn it into championships.
The second rule of effective delegation is to choose the right person for the task. When delegating a task, you need to make sure that you choose someone capable of completing the task successfully. This means choosing someone who has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the task. It also means choosing someone trustworthy and responsible. Think about it this way, with the game on the line, the Golden State Warriors are definitely delegating the last shot to Steph Curry over Kevon Looney.
The third rule of effective delegation is to provide clear instructions. When delegating a task, you need to make sure that you provide clear and concise instructions. This means being specific about what needs to be done and how it should be done. It also means providing all the necessary information and resources needed to complete the task. The Warriors coaching staff is a master at this skill. Coming out of every time out during critical times, the Dubs are always on the same page because clear and concise messaging was given to be executed.
The fourth rule of effective delegation is to set clear expectations. When delegating a task, you need to make sure that you set clear expectations for the person completing the task. This means being specific about what needs to be accomplished and when it needs to be accomplished. It also means setting realistic expectations in terms of quality and quantity. Golden State General manager Bob Meyer must deliver messages at the start of every season to the agents of new players. It is his job to remind them that their client’s role is to come in and play a supporting role in the organization and wait patiently for their opportunity to shine. (See Jordan Poole)
The fifth rule of effective delegation is to give feedback. After the task has been completed, you need to give feedback to the person who completed the task. This feedback should be both positive and constructive. It should focus on what was done well and what could be improved. The winning culture that the Warriors have created can also be attributed to the communication that the players share with each other. Their ability to deliver honest immediate feedback on the court, in real-time allows them to correct errors and prepare for winning opportunities later in the game. This can only take place in a mature work environment when trust has been established.
By following these rules of effective delegation, you can save yourself time and energy while still ensuring that tasks are completed successfully. So start delegating today and see how it can help you succeed in your career!