Many people find that their plates are full because they are not only doing their own work, they are also doing the work of others. This can occur for many reasons, but a common one is related to a little known phenomenon called reverse delegation. Reverse delegation occurs when you assign a task to a coworker who then proceeds to come back and ask you a question or makes the t...ask more complicated than needed in hopes that you will take it back. You may then quickly assume it is just easier to do it yourself, and wham!...the task is back on your plate. To avoid this from happening to you, keep a few key principles in mind when delegating to others:
* Establish a clear objective. What needs to be done?
* Agree on a deadline or time frame to complete the objective
* If your assistance is needed, answer the questions or direct the person to a source where he or she can find the answer
* Follow-up on the day of the deadline. Keep the responsibility for completing the task where it belongs -- with the person you delegated it to
Keeping tasks where they belong not only help develop the skills of others, it gives you the ability to focus on activities that provide you and the highest rate of return on your time. Now that's productivity!
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