Delegation is an area that many managers struggle with. This is surprising not least because one of your key roles as a manager is to get results through others. One would have thought that as part of the appointment process you would have been evaluated in terms of your ability to be a great manager. Reality is that people are often moved in to management roles based on how good you are at doing current role. For example, the great sales person who is promoted to sales manager, the technically great accountant who is put in charge of a team are just a couple of examples.
If you are to succeed as a manager and deliver great performance, it is essential that you understand the benefits of delegating and that you start delegating. So what are the benefits?
Benefit 1: Allows you to focus
When you delegate tasks or jobs that you do not need to be doing, it frees you up to focus on delivering on the areas that your success as a manager will be measured. Too often managers end up spending time on tasks that they should no longer be doing, perhaps because they think they are the only person who can do them or maybe just because they like doing them. Focus on what your success as a manager will be evaluated.
Benefit 2: Opportunity for staff development
Few people want to turn up at work and do the same thing day after day for months or years on end. They like to be stretched and challenged and delegating tasks and responsibilities is a great way of doing this. The great news is that this type of experiential development costs nothing apart form a little bit of time briefing and monitoring.
Benefit 3: Opportunity to develop your skills
Delegation is not just about telling someone that you are no longer doing something and telling the other person that they are now doing it. You need to plan the handover, brief the person, check understanding, set review points, design a review process and give feedback as a minimum. In other words you are getting the opportunity to develop key management skills like communication, planning and monitoring.
Benefit 4: Increased motivation
When staff know that there are going to be opportunities to take on new tasks, responsibilities and learn new things, they will be more motivated to do a good job. Delegating gives a very strong message to others that you trust them, are interested in their growth and want to help them to progress.
Delegation offers real opportunities for you and those that you manage. So what’s your next step?
By: Duncan Brodie
Posts Tagged ‘Benefit’
Management – The 4 Benefits of Delegating
March 24th, 2010Green Impact of Digital Document Management Efforts
December 23rd, 2009We all know having the majority of documents in hardcopy form can hinder productivity, be costly, and diminish security intentions. What you may not realize is the effect it has on the environment.
The green impact by using automated data storage solutions is the tip of the iceberg of the reasons why the digital imaging market is erupting right now. Document management software providers are delivering a much-needed service that many businesses are finally utilizing, and this will have significant impacts on our planet.
Green Benefit #1: Reduce Consumption
This might be a no-brainer, but when you really think about all the paper, ink cartridges, energy usage, and postage that are consumed by having all your documents on paper, the truth is mind-boggling. More paper used, more trees chopped down, more paper disposed of in our landfills…you get the picture.
According to the Environmental Paper Network, if “…the United States cut its office paper use by roughly 10 percent, or 540,000 tons, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by 1.6 million tons. This is the equivalent of taking 280,000 cars off the road for a year.” Need I say more?
Green Benefit #2: Less Traveling
You and your employees can cut down on fuel by cutting out those extra trips to the office. All of your documents will be easily accessible through your computer or online. This also allows for greater flexibility, allowing employees to telecommute more often. Think of all the gas saved and pollution out of the air.
Green Benefit #3: Eliminate More Equipment
Once you have files scanned and digitized, the ability to distribute documents electronically will reduce the need to have so many (or any) fax machines and copy machines. This results in a noteworthy reduction in energy use needed to run them. Additionally, with more companies needing less of these machines, less of them will be produced to begin with. This also includes the decrease in production of unneeded filing cabinets!
Green Benefit #4: You’ll Look Good
You already have an idea of what consumers expect; now you can add being environmentally conscious to the list. Being socially responsible is becoming a large part of any organization’s reputation and success, so taking steps such as adding electronic document management systems to your business will make an important difference in how your customers view you. How is protecting your rep a green benefit? The sheer numbers of companies wanting to look good by doing the right thing will inevitably make a difference.
This is a process any company, big or small can embrace. Do not get discouraged as you look over the rows of filing cabinets holding your paper docs. This is certainly not a venture you will have to take on alone. By using a reputable document imaging company, the work can be done for you. Plus, you can rest assured knowing your documents are being handled meticulously; and that you are doing your part to protect the environment.
By: Dale Knauss
Predictions In The World Of Fleet Management For The Coming Year
October 13th, 2009Fleet management can be defined as the tracking of a company’s vehicles; this can include ships, vans and cars. It is becoming increasingly viable with the advances in GPS technology for all manner of companies. The uses are diverse and for the manager who likes to know the whereabouts and functions of their fleet it can provide a comprehensive solution. But what predictions can be made for the fleet management industry in the next twelve months?
One issue that is becoming increasingly important in the world of fleet management is the rises in the cost of fuel. This has become a major concern as expenses for fuel seem to be escalating at record levels. It is estimated that the hardest hit will be those involved in the management of truck fleets. Fleet managers this year will attempt to lower their fuel costs; this however will be difficult. The only way they will be able to reduce the fuel costs of a fleet is to look at tyres and maintenance of vehicles to ensure higher levels of efficiency.
One benefit for those involved in fleet management is that last year’s new regulation in engines is not having as great an effect as previously thought. Seemingly efficiency has not been greatly diminished. One way in which fleet managers will be trying to increase efficiency is to limit the time vehicles are spent idling. Introducing management procedures that forces drivers to turn off engines whenever stationary will definitely become common practice this year. Once again technology is aiding these procedures by producing devices that measure idling time and cut the engine off if this period is too long.
The world of fleet management may also see the increased use of alternative fuels. We are already seeing bio-fuel becoming a popular alternative to diesel as it is cheaper and better for the environment. There are even transportation companies sprouting up that are specialising in bio-fuelled vehicles; it is believed that this approach will lead to environmentally conscious customers utilising their services. An alternative to bio-fuel has been the use of propane in fleet management; this comes at a time when the entire motor industry is trying to find more viable fuelling solutions.
GPS tracking will become an even more important element to fleet management in 2008. While these systems have been developing since the late eighties it is now that they are becoming a truly appealing option. While installation costs are still relatively high the dividends can be huge. They can improve fuel efficiency, increase delivery space and more generally raise levels of productivity.
GPS tracking or telematics can improve fuel efficiency by creating routes that are the most fuel efficient fleet management solution. By planning driver routes in advance it is possible to maximise the deliveries made in relation to the fuel used. In the same way, by making accurate route plans it is possible to reduce the number of trucks on the road by filling each to their maximum before departure. Hopefully this technological advancement will make the one pallet delivery a non existent occurrence.
The use of GPS systems can also measure the activities of drivers in detail. This may seem as an invasion of privacy on the part of the fleet management team, but as the drivers are effectively working, their whereabouts should be known at all times. By having procedures in place to deal with drivers who take excessive detours it is possible to maximise efficiency and reduce the time wasted.
The world of fleet management is rapidly changing. This is mainly due to inclusion of GPS technology in many fleets and the subsequent benefits. As stated previously the increase in fuel prices worldwide means that the major concern of fleet managers this year will be to increase fuel efficiency and hence profitability.
By: Thomas Pretty
