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The art of delegation
Q: I have a hard time deciding which projects to delegate to my staff and which ones to tackle myself. What's the best way to delegate without losing control?
A: Any projects you work on consistently and already know how to approach and complete, can be delegated to others. The best way to do this is to come up with written checklists for these types of projects. A written checklist, along with verbal instructions, will help you train the assigned person properly.
Of course, you're still responsible for the work getting done, so it is highly recommended that you meet with the assigned person regularly to be sure he or she is meeting the deadlines you've assigned, so the project keeps moving ahead.
If you have a brand new project that you're not exactly sure how to tackle, it is generally advised that you work on it yourself independently, or along with another staff member. This way, potential problems can be resolved and a training checklist can be developed for the next similar project.
Some issues discussed in the expert forum are complex and continually changing.We recommend you consult a professional advisor about your specific circumstances, needs, and applicable laws. More details.