Review:
#1 The Top Down Attitude
#2 Putting Paperwork Before People Work
#3 Absence of Affirmation
#4 No Room for Mavericks
#5 Dictatorship in Decision-making
#6 Dirty Delegation: Jethro observed his son-in-law Moses who was at the point of near exhaustion as he sought to meet everyones needs who came to him. Jethros solution? Delegation. Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. (Ex. 18:21)
Hans Finzel reminds us that Over managing is one of the great cardinal sins of poor leadership. Nothing frustrates those who work for you more than sloppy delegation with too many strings attached.1 Yet most people in the positions of leadership refuse to let go and delegate. Why?
Fear of loosing authority.
Fear of work being done poorly.
Fear of work being done better.
Unwillingness to take the necessary time.
Fear of depending on others.
Lack of training and positive experience.
Guidelines that can help us delegate more effectively:
Choose qualified people.
Exhibit confidence.
Make their duties clear.
Delegate the proper authority.
Do not tell them how to do the work.
Set up accountability points along the way.
Supervise according to their follow-through style.
Give them room to fail occasionally.
Give praise and credit for work well done.
Questions every follower asks:
What am I suppose to do?
Will you let me do it?
Will you help me when I need it?
Will you let me know how I am doing?3
Question: Theodore Roosevelt stated, The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. Are you one of those men?
1 Much of this material is derived from Ten Top Mistakes Leaders Make by Hans Finzel – Victor Books, 1977
2 Ten Top Mistakes Leaders Make by Hans Finzel – Victor Books, 1977
3 The Business Ministry Journal Dr. Lorne Sanny – 1992