As a small business owner, I have learned that hiring the right people harvests the largest rewards. I cannot do it all myself, and having a strong team behind me to fulfill my vision and execution of ideas is crucial. Leaders need to be able to delegate in order to get the tasks completed to follow through on the vision.

Communication between myself and my team is critical to my business’s success. Effective delegation is a critical skill for any manager or leader. It allows you to distribute workload and responsibilities, maximize team productivity, and develop your team members’ skills and abilities. However, effective delegation requires more than just assigning tasks to others; it also requires clear and effective communication. Here are some of my words of wisdom

Clear Communication Avoids Misunderstandings

It means a lot when you actually call someone or leave a voice message. Sometimes tone gets lost in text messages and emails, and calling the person avoids misunderstandings.

You need to be clear about what you want to delegate, the expected outcome, the deadline, and any other relevant information. You should also communicate why you are delegating the task and how it fits into the larger picture.

For example, imagine you are delegating a project to a team member. You should clearly communicate the scope of the project, the desired outcome, and any relevant deadlines. You should also explain why you are delegating the project, how it fits into the company’s goals, and how it will benefit the team member’s career development.

Clear Communication Builds Trust

Effective delegation requires trust between the manager and the team member. When delegating tasks, clear communication can build trust by showing that you trust the team member to complete the task effectively. By clearly communicating the task’s scope, expected outcome, and deadlines, you show that you have confidence in the team member’s abilities.

On the other hand, if you fail to communicate effectively, you may come across as micromanaging or lacking trust in the team member’s abilities. This can damage the relationship and undermine trust between the manager and the team member.

Clear Communication Encourages Feedback

Effective communication when delegating also encourages feedback from team members. By providing clear expectations and open communication channels, team members are more likely to ask questions, provide input, and offer feedback. This can improve the quality of work and increase engagement and buy-in from team members.

For example, if a team member feels unsure about how to complete a delegated task, they may be more likely to ask for clarification if they know that open communication is encouraged. Similarly, if a team member has suggestions for improving the project, they may be more likely to offer feedback if they feel that their input is valued.

Tips for Effective Communication When Delegating

Here are some tips for effective communication when delegating tasks:

1. Be Clear: Ensure that you are clear about the task’s scope, expected outcome, deadlines, and any other relevant information. Provide context and explain how the task fits into the larger picture.
2. Encourage Feedback: Encourage team members to ask questions, provide input, and offer feedback. Provide open communication channels, such as regular check-ins or team meetings.
3. Listen actively: When team members provide feedback, listen actively. Ask clarifying questions and consider their input.
4. Follow-Up: After delegating a task, follow up regularly to ensure that the task is on track and provide any additional support or resources needed.
5. Provide Recognition: When a team member completes a delegated task effectively, provide recognition and praise. This can encourage continued engagement and motivation.

By mastering effective communication when delegating, managers and leaders can maximize team productivity, develop their team members’ skills and abilities, and achieve their goals.