When you look up the term “delegate” in my trusty Oxford Dictionary the definition states: To Entrust a Task to Someone.  Then if you take the next step and check the Thesaurus section words like: Pass on, Entrust, Assign, Devolve and be your Representative are all identified as terms similar in meaning. So, this week as you read the Delegation with Confidence TRIPLE III TIME message, be sure to revisit this first paragraph for guidance again and again.

First, when you delegate something to your coworkers (and even your children), do you fully ENTRUST the task to them? Is it OK if they do it differently than you would? What if they take more time than you thought they should… are you tolerant of the uncertain time factor? Do you make it clear and comfortable for them to “bother you” with periodic questions and/or request additional instructions?

Next, think about the final product.  Do you ENTRUST a level of support and confidence that “perfection” is not the expectation… just a high-quality effort? And if the individual is totally new in their position, do you constructively allow for alternative points of view and possible diverse product results?

Finally, as you go through the process of evaluating their work or products, what is your measuring stick(s)? Do you mainly measure them against your standards and expectations… or consider measurements that take into account experience, background, past skillsets, technology impacts, workplace evolutions and/or other leadership team influences?

I believe to be a high-quality leader… you have to commit to the ENTRUST factor.  Building coworkers with confidence and courage to make and learn from their mistakes… will only make you and your organization stronger.  Continually looking over everyone’s shoulder is a bad leadership habit.  It robs you of precious time… and weakens your ability to look strongly to the future!