The Gift of Delegating
Statistics tell us the route to “Burn Out” is the failure to delegate.
If you meet a person and ask, “How are things?” the first response often is, “I have so much to do and no time to do it. With each new idea comes a minimum five or more ‘to do’s!”
If I am truly honest with myself, (or ourselves), I will inevitably attempt to do it myself.
After all, who could do it better? Will the quality of work be up to my standards?
We all have a problem of letting go.
Why delegate? Consider the following list:
† Increases personal capability.
† Increases organizational skills.
† Frees up time for honing leadership skills.
† Allows others to employ their God-given skills.
† Increases personal confidence.
† Allows others to develop skills.
† Assists others to learn more about…(the institution).
Delegating is a skill that requires development within the leadership of an organization.
To delegate you need to be acutely aware of the skill set within the institution. To become acutely aware of the skill set within the institution, the leader needs to be hands-on in the everyday operations.
The leader needs to affirm the people within the organization. Most important is to know the work that needs to be done and be able to provide instructions.
When we are able to delegate, we will develop a more effective and healthier institution. What is required? Some suggestions:
† Take time to reflect on your top skill sets.
† What am I uniquely trained to do?
† What’s the biggest contribution I can make?
† Learn to step back and allow others to do the task.
† Ask, “Am I making the best use of my time?”
† Know you are not the ONLY face of the parish. Send others.
What have I learned?
I have learned to share these words of focus in good medicine.
Like the Buckleys advertisement on TV: “It tastes awful, but it works.”
These are hard words to read, except I know they work when I employ them.
They go along with time management skills.
Blessings for the week,
Archdeacon Brian+
