Delegation is the act of assigning tasks or responsibilities to a person or group other than oneself. It is also the granting of authority to another person to act on one’s behalf.
Content Recap:
Delegation is a management strategy that allows an organization’s human resources to be used efficiently and effectively, by dividing work into individual tasks and assigning those tasks to employees. Delegation can help increase productivity, reduce errors, and promote creativity.
The benefits of delegation are many: it can reduce stress levels for managers and employees alike; it can improve employee morale by giving them more responsibility; it can increase employee engagement by allowing them to work more closely with others in their team; it can lead to better results because people are more invested in their work when they have ownership over what they do.
1. Delegation helps Superior focus on Challenging Jobs
Under delegation, a superior (boss) delegates his less important duties, routine tasks, and monotonous work to his subordinate (junior). He can then use some of his available free time to focus on other significant matters, important assignments, and challenging jobs that are in pending. It saves his precious time and makes him more productive and efficient towards his job commitment. This overall benefits the performance of the organization.
2. Delegation leads to Quicker Decisions and Actions
If there is a delegation of authority, it helps to make quick decisions and actions. It is so since; precious time is not wasted or lost in repetitively consulting the superior on routine matters. A subordinate is free to act within the limits of his delegated authority and there is no need to ask a superior again and again. It speeds up the decision-making and task execution.
3. Delegation Trains, Develops, and Prepares Juniors
Delegation sets up a training and development platform for juniors. It gives them the opportunity and freedom to tackle challenging tasks. It helps them to take decisions and actions. It also helps them to earn a valuable experience from the work. It prepares them to face confidently newer challenges in the future. This overall enhances and develops their set of skills needed for a successful career.
4. Delegation Boosts Morale of Juniors
When there is a delegation of authority, the subordinate gets a chance to prove his abilities to his superior. He sincerely starts working hard to accomplish the task delegated to him. After completing the assigned work, if he manages to impress his boss, it automatically raises his confidence or morale. He soon starts trusting more of his abilities (skills). He also tries to give his best job performance. This overall improves his feelings not only towards his superior but also towards work and the organization.
5. Delegation Motivates Subordinates
The delegation is necessary as it acts as a factor of motivation for subordinates. When a superior praises his junior for properly doing delegated work, it motivates him. It makes him feel good about himself. It stimulates him and makes him ready to give his best for the next upcoming task. It makes him more productive and efficient to even handle a difficult job. It inspires him to keep improving his skills. Motivated employees bring success to the organization.
6. Delegation Leads to Better Results
In delegation, the superior is not consulted again and again by his subordinate on matters already delegated. Instead, the subordinate has full authority to handle an assigned task as per his ability. He is free to take decisions without regularly receiving confirmation from the boss. Since decisions are made only by those who perform the job, a lot of time is saved and the communication gap is minimized. Quick decisions improve performance and eventually leads to better results as expected by the organization.
7. Delegation Improves Superior-Subordinate Relationship
When a superior delegates authority, it indicates that he trusts and understands the potential of his subordinate to handle and complete a particular task. When a junior completes the assigned work as per expectations, it shows that he clearly knows the requirements of his boss. Thus, the act of delegation helps them understand each other and contributes towards improving their relationship.
8. Delegation Develops a Team Spirit
Delegation develops a team spirit in the organization. It enables the superior and his subordinate to work together as a team. Superior leads the team like a captain by delegating smaller chunks of duties. Whereas, the junior accomplishes the assigned jobs like a sincere and disciplined soldier. This overall results in higher efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
9. Delegation is Key to Successful Organisation
Within an organization, delegation brings people together. It helps them to share responsibilities for achieving a common goal. It maintains their interest and enthusiasm. It enhances their leadership skills. It gives them work satisfaction. It helps them see each other develop and grow. It creates a progressive environment in the organization. Without it, people won’t come together and remain isolated from each other. Therefore, it is the key to a successful institution.