This cast recommends simple choices for what to delegate to our directs.

When we train groups or coach executives and managers on delegation, the question we most frequently get is, okay, but WHAT do I delegate? For many years, we resisted giving guidance on WHAT to delegate. We were much more focused on the HOW of delegation, which we have codified in the fourth concept in the Manager Tools Trinity.

But frankly, everyone keeps asking WHAT to delegate! For years we've been saying that that decision is best based on the manager's priorities and the directs' abilities. But frankly, it must not be as easy as we thought. Managers whom we have trained still ask, what, what, what. So, this podcast addresses the basics of WHAT to delegate to our directs.

  [Play in Popup]

This cast describes how to delegate running your staff meeting as part of succession planning. 

One of the mistakes that a lot of us make as managers is thinking of all the things we have to do when it comes to management, and getting overwhelmed. Meetings, developing our team, annual reviews, coaching, goal setting, succession planning, promotions…and that's without thinking about our NON managerial responsibilities.

But we're making it too hard. All of the above boils down to performance management. How can we get the most out of our team, to deliver the most value for the organization? How can we improve productivity? Why not combine succession planning, performance improvement, and delegation with one less meeting to manage? Here's how.

  [Play in Popup]

This cast explains our rationale for why Delegation is the 4th Member of our Management Trinity.

Ah, the FOURTH member of the Trinity. We did this for two reasons – one, to make it easier to remember. Two, because you simply cannot grow an organization profitably without Delegation. You can grow the profitability of a company without new products, without new distribution — think Tiffany's, or coal mines. But not without delegation. (Delegation is ESPECIALLY important if you don't have new products or distribution, and we don't recommend either!)

Effective Managers know how to consciously and effectively delegate. Good delegation leads to more growth at less cost. How can we call ourselves professional managers unless we do something that we KNOW leads to profitable growth?

  [Play in Popup]

Mark recently blogged with our first ever management koan, "What Would An Effective Manager Do?" It was clearly a big hit - we got 45 responses within 2-3 days.

No, I'm not sharing the answer yet.

So, you're a manager, and you've got a boss and a team. Let's assume for a moment that all of your responsibilities - your goals and objectives, rolling up all your tasks, can be represented by a bucket of balls (as in, "juggling a lot of balls.").

We got a great email recently from a listener asking about how to develop one of the managers in their company. The mail went something like this: "hey guys, love manager tools, really like the usability of the recommendations. But need some help. One of our guys has some management responsibilities, and we'd like to help him get better. Wonder if you can recommend some sort of comprehensive coaching program, with some resources or books that we can get him involved in."

Well, if you've ever thought that about one of your managers, or maybe even yourself, this cast is for you.

Today, Mark and Mike discuss the topic of Delegation. There probably isn't a management book out there that doesn't talk about the importance of delegation. However, very seldom does the author get into the type of detail we'll discuss today. Today, we cover the "how to" ... how to determine what and to whom to delegate and specifically what specific steps to take when delegating to an individual. After you've listened to the podcast, be sure to review our steps to effective delegation by downloading and reading the Effective Delegation Worksheet.

In addition, both Mark and I would really appreciate it if you would go to the website and register. Not too far in the future, we'll be introducing some content specifically for registered users ... kind of a way to reward those most interested in learning about how to be a more effective leader. I don't think you'll want to miss it, so take 30 seconds and register now.

Mark and Mike updated the Delegation Podcasts in 2012. The old podcast has been archived and both new Delegation podcasts are included below.

Part 1

  [Play in Popup]

Part 2

  [Play in Popup]