No Return on Delegated Work

Some managers delegate work only to later discover the work isn't getting done on time, or the employee is hesitant about what to do, or there are errors, missing pieces or less than satisfactory progress. Some managers then take the assignment back and do it themselves, and often reminding themselves that this is exactly why they don't like to delegate work. What they fail to realize is that taking the work back does not solve the problem. In fact it can make the problem worse as some employee's learn to return delegated work back to the boss, especially delegated work that is difficult and/or delegated work that the employee doesn't like to do.

When delegated work is not being done the way it should, the manager must get involved as a teacher and a coach. Give advice, counsel, additional information and even retraining as needed. Show and tell if required. Pitch in and work alongside of the employee as necessary. But never take back the delegated assignment or the responsibility for getting that assignment done. This approach allows the employee to gain knowledge and experience so that they are in a better position to do the delegated work in the future. And employees also learn to ask questions, clarify instructions, and seek help sooner because they know that wasted time and effort will place more burden on them.

Also note that this approach can work well for normal assignments as well. If an employee encounters an exception to a routine job, avoid taking the exception away and handling it yourself. By helping you handle the exception, the employee will learn from the experience. And that will put them in a better position to deal with (or at least help with) similar situations in the future).

About Pelleyblog. This blog covers topics of interest to managers, particularly those at the first-line supervisor level. Topics include handling difficult employees, leadership, counseling, coaching, delegation, making work assignment, professionalism and time management. We welcome your comments on this post.

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