People calling you too much? Forever wanting your time at work? Let’s look at why....
Communicating with others can be divided into 3 broad headings;
1) requesting information
2) giving information
3) asking for permission / decision
You’re the leader and need to show the way and stay in touch with your team, no doubt. But wouldn’t it be good to retain control WITHOUT having to speak to them as often?
You can delegate many decisions you make by setting authority limits around decisions to be made. The limits need to suit the skills and experience of the person accountable for the role. Any decisions within the limits will be executed by others, empowering them and saving you time.
Exchanging information can be sorted out electronically and minimised using manuals and training for instruction.
Decisions require your involvement, but does permission? And how many decisions can be made in advance, once, and become guidelines within your system?
Why not use the concept of ‘delegated authority’. That is, set guidelines and limits on what people can do. That’s like you being in the room to guide behaviour, when you’re actually doing something else.
Decision guidelines can be set around;
- refunds - in response to complaints
- discount levels - during sales
- work hours - for the roster
- budget - for marketing and so on
Remember to;
- put numbers around the authority level given (don’t be vague! use money, time, volume, weight - whatever can be quantified)
- state clearly the role that it applies to (names of the people doing the role can change)
- put a step in the instructions to leave tangible evidence of the behaviour (this give you ‘visibility’ of the action taken)
Using this technique you can save time and energy as well as empowering your staff by giving them more ownership and responsibility which is a great motivator. All while retaining control of your business.
If you are not using this technique you are missing out on opportunities to work ON your business not IN it.
Get started today!