Inspirational Manager, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 9

Making the most of delegation

‘Find time for the people stuff every day.’

Helena Moore, Bromford Housing Group

In the ‘management as chore’ scenario, delegation is the way to pass on work. The team becomes a dumping ground for boring tasks that don’t bring any kudos, and, at worst, they do the work while the manager takes the glory. In the ‘noble art’ of management, however, delegation is the key to making the best of strengths, talent and enthusiasm. It not only provides people with interesting challenges, but leaves the manager with time to support them.

Most managers fall somewhere between these two extremes, fluctuating between handing on work effectively and preferring to do it themselves – the ‘give it to me syndrome’ (normally ...