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Delegation – the Forgotten Talent Development Tool

February 23, 2023

By Clifton Clark, courtesy SBAM approved partner, ASE

Employee development is essential for organizational success and long-term sustainability. Organizations that invest in employee development initiatives can expect to see increased productivity and improved morale.

For example, companies that invest in training and skills development can benefit from an increase in the quality of work produced by employees, as well as a higher level of job satisfaction. Similarly, companies that invest in leadership programs can benefit from improved communication, collaboration, and decision-making within the organization.

In addition to benefiting the organization, employee development initiatives can also help to improve an employee’s job satisfaction and motivation. Professional development opportunities, such as mentoring programs and team-building activities, can help to create an engaging workplace environment that encourages employees to strive for excellence. Furthermore, employee development initiatives can help to ensure that employees are up to date on industry trends and best practices, enabling them to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Leaders often overlook the one activity that could do all of things above AND benefit the leader all at the same time – delegation.  Many people think that delegation is used to off load busy work to free up time for more important work.  On the contrary, delegation should not be seen or used that way.

Thinking of your employees’ next step in the company should be the main focus of what work you delegate to them and when. For example, those you eye as leadership potential could help you with components of payroll.  It both helps them to understand the incredible amount of work it takes behind the scenes to process their punches and corrections, but also see the importance in time commitments.

Perhaps an employee has no desire for leadership but would like to understand more aspects outside of their function in the process.  Employee swaps work wonders!  Find an employee willing to allow job shadowing in both areas of the process and swap employees for the day!  If they like it, work a process where they can learn the function and eventually work independently.  Now you have a person to fill in for call offs when needed!  This employee is now happier because their routine is switched, and they avoid complacency.

There are many ways other ways purposeful delegation can work for employee development, but it all starts with a conversation with your employee.  Communicating with your employee to find out what they are interested in doing next with the company should be the catalyst for any delegation decision.  It should involve their interests and in turn will benefit you and the company as a whole.

Employee development initiatives can help to create an engaging workplace environment that encourages employees to strive for excellence and look beyond their current role.  Implement focused delegation and watch your employee morale soar!

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