The eight traits of effective delegators

1. Clear communication

Effective delegators are skilled communicators who connect with their audiences. Delegators can communicate effectively by establishing clear time frames for project goalposts and deadlines. There are certain things that must be set in stone and certain aspects of a project that can fluctuate. Knowing when and who to reach out to is vital to running a tight ship.

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But delegators also run the risk of communicating too much, which can muddle the impact of their messages and expectations. Have you ever been bombarded with too many messages? It’s not just annoying, but it also ends up becoming a confusing mess of various emails, pings, and notifications all competing for your attention. So, instead of doing all the talking, delegators can also actively listen and provide feedback to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

One of the many ways that effective delegators can set their goals and expectations to a team is by using collaborative software. With team meetings via video, group messages, and one-on-one DMs, teams can reach their project notes and meeting minutes in one convenient place.

2. Trust

Successful delegators rely on trust. Those who manage others expect their team members to complete tasks and make decisions to the best of their abilities, while those who report to others expect managers to understand their skills, assets, and the amount of work that they can handle. This trust is built through open communication, clear expectations, and accountability.

Conversely, an office can fall apart if there’s a lot of mistrust. Some team members might have ulterior motives, or they’re angling for their own personal advancement—especially at the consideration of others. And if you can’t rely on a coworker or colleague to help you work on a task or an aspect of a project, what chance will you have in completing it?

3. Confidence

Successful delegators are confident in their abilities and the abilities of their team members. They can delegate tasks without micromanaging or second-guessing their team’s decisions. This confidence creates a positive and productive work environment.

If you’re aiming for successful delegation, ensure that everyone is on the same page with how to handle a project, a workflow, or a client. Have faith in your team’s abilities to get things done. After all, they were brought on for a reason, and you won’t have to micromanage everything in a project.

4. Strategic thinking

Effective delegators have a strategic mindset. They can prioritize tasks, identify the right team members for the job, and delegate tasks that align with their team’s strengths and abilities. Knowing how to tailor certain tasks to members’ talents requires the strategy of understanding your team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Being able to look ahead, well beyond delivering a completed project to a client, is key for a successful project. Follow up with clients after deliverables to see if there is any room for improvement or further projects. It shows that you care about the client and are willing to win their business again—a win-win for you, your company, and your team!

5. Empathy

Delegators who demonstrate empathy can build stronger relationships with their team members. They understand their team’s strengths, weaknesses, and work styles, which allows them to delegate tasks that align with their team’s interests and abilities. They can also recognize burnout, which may arise if one person’s task is too complex and feels unfair compared to the rest of the team.

6. Time management

Effective delegators are skilled at managing their team’s time. To ensure that deadlines are met, they can prioritize their own tasks while knowing when to delegate tasks to others. This skill requires organization, planning, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. By making sure coworkers have sufficient time to complete their tasks, a project can be completed with the precision of a well-oiled machine.

7. Accountability

Effective delegators hold themselves and their team members accountable for their work. They set clear expectations and follow up on progress. They also provide feedback and recognize team members for their accomplishments.

Delegators should be able to recognize when to move a team member to a different aspect of a project if they’re struggling or to remind them of their tasks if they forget something. This should be done from a position of good faith. It relies on the ability to emphasize with a coworker. Anything more egregious or disruptive will likely be handled by human resources.

8. Continuous improvement

Lastly, successful delegators are always looking for ways to improve their delegation skills. They seek feedback from their team members, reflect on their successes and failures, and adjust their delegation techniques as needed. If there’s any feedback to receive, take it anonymously and consider it as constructive criticism—after all, any complaints should go through adjacent departments or via individual meetings.

Learning how to delegate effectively is essential for any leader. By developing these eight traits, you can become a master delegator and improve team productivity, build trust within your organization, and manage your workload more effectively. For more tips on productivity and staying organized, check out more tips for keeping ahead at work—no matter where you’re working from.