When someone is doing something for the first time, anticipate that their performance may resemble your own when you were in their shoes.
How many times have you asked someone to do something for you, only to be disappointed by the result of the finished product? I can remember showing one of my children how to properly mow the lawn. Keep in mind that “properly” meant the way I would mow the lawn. When he had finished mowing, he couldn’t wait to show me how well he did. I went outside and noticed that the lines weren’t straight and there were spots that were missed in the middle of the yard. He didn’t think anything of it, but I was immediately able to tell that his work did not meet my expectations.
I was in a tough spot. How do I correct him without crushing his spirit? I let him know that he did a good job and then proceeded to show him some pointers for next time. Our pep talk turned out well because the next time he improved exponentially. Eventually, his work exceeded my expectations!
Many times, in the workplace, we assign tasks to people or ask for their assistance, only to be disappointed with the outcome. This is why people often choose not to seek help but instead choose to handle tasks themselves, as it allows them to avoid disappointment and take the easier route. By tackling tasks independently, they feel assured that they will be done "the right way." While this approach may ensure that the task is completed correctly, it overlooks the opportunity for others to learn and grow by participating in something new. This lack of collaboration results in missing out on the concept of "achieving more together," which emphasized the importance of teamwork and how outcomes can be achieved through collaboration.
When delegating a task to someone or asking for assistance, there are a few things to keep in mind:
First, always expect the outcome to be similar to the first time you executed that task. Our skill sets have been refined to complete something well; however, the person doing something for the first time has not put in the time or effort to complete the job like you have. Lower your expectations as the person assisting you learns.
Make sure that you clearly define your goals. Provide detailed instructions on what needs to be done, including the desired outcome. Make sure that the person fully understands the task at hand.
Set proper expectations. Clearly communicate the quality of work and the level of autonomy that can be exercised when making decisions. Also, communicate what success looks like and what resources are available to achieve it.
Constructive feedback is essential to further development. Offer constructive feedback and guidance along the way to help them improve. Be careful not to micromanage or "nitpick." Acknowledge successes and address areas for improvement being genuine in your feedback.
Lastly, don’t forget to express appreciation for their efforts and contributions, regardless of the outcome. Gratitude goes a long way; therefore, make sure to show your gratitude for their willingness and dedication to whatever task they were assigned to.
Delegating is a skill that needs to be developed over time. You may be new at delegating just as the person you are delegating to may be new at that task. Work to grow together through transparency and openness in communication, and you will be surprised at how fast your team will grow and how productive it will become.