Rather than trying to do everything yourself, consider delegating or outsourcing and make sure you are distributing the workload to get the most out of your available resources.
Some managers are reluctant to delegate as much as they should, somehow linking it to not coping.
Common barriers to delegation are:
- Not trusting anyone else to do the task
- Believing no one else can do is as well
- Fear that if others take on part of their role, they could become dispensable
Recognising these traits is the first step in breaking them and moving on to a more effective management style.
Why should you delegate?
Delegation is not just for the holidays and it certainly isn’t about off-loading work or relinquishing responsibility to others. Effective delegation enables you to address your higher level responsibilities and at the same time lets you to develop and motivate members of your team, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the business/department.
Delegating responsibility for whole projects is much more effective than passing on little tasks, as it allows your member of staff to feel more satisfied on completion of the job and provides a more structured and complete outcome. It enables each staff member to get on with their tasks in their own way whilst you maintain control of the overall work of the business/department.
Our top tips for pre-holiday planning
- Don’t leave things to the last minute. Plan ahead at least two weeks before your departure.
- Make a list of tasks you need to complete before you go on holiday.
- Consider which tasks can be delegated
- Make time to update your colleagues on the tasks you want them to carry out in plenty of time so that they can start work on them before you leave and raise any questions they may have. This will help you feel at ease while you are away, knowing that they already have the job in hand.
- Try not to overload your diary the week before you go on holiday.
- Keep your diary clear for the first few days back in the office for catching up and responding to e-mails. They can be time consuming!
- Arrange catch-up meetings with the staff who have taken on the delegated responsibilities.
- Make sure your key clients are aware of your holiday dates and who they can liaise with during your absence.
- Remember to turn on your ‘Out of Office’ Assistant on your e-mails, ensuring you provide alternative contact details.
I hope that you put some of these tips into action so that you can enjoy and benefit from your break.
Happy holidays!
Notes to editors:-
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