One trait that I have noticed that successful ISOs and agents share is the ability to effectively delegate. Successful merchant service salespeople master delegation, while average performers cling to tasks which are important but better left to others. Did you reach your current level of success because of your superior administrative skills? Is it because you’re really good at organizing papers, filing applications or filling in reports? I don’t think so. You are mostly likely a success due to your people skills, communication skills, leadership abilities, and selling abilities.
Why Should You Delegate?
There are three important reasons not only to delegate, but to become an expert at it. For starters, delegating appropriate tasks simply allows you to accomplish more, you leverage your time. It frees you to work on tasks that produce revenue and create residual income.
Secondly, delegating allows you to focus on the bigger picture, rather than getting bogged down in routine tasks. It creates the opportunity for you to work on your business rather than always working in it. And finally, effective delegating allows you, to develop people by enhancing their expertise, creating a more self directed worker, and expands their areas of responsibility.
The trick to achieving the desired outcome, is to delegate effectively, here are 6 keys to consider when delegating tasks.
Select the correct tasks to delegate
Keep in mind not all tasks are good candidates for delegation. A good rule of thumb to use, is a task which does not involve judgment is usually a good candidate for delegation. It’s not that the other person can’t make a decision, but you are in the position you’re in because someone trusts your judgment. Ultimately the responsibility falls on your shoulders.
Choose the right person for the task
Make sure you choose a person whose talents match the skill set needed for the task. If necessary, rearrange delegated tasks to give the right person ample time to complete the new task.
Communicate clearly
Have you ever given someone a task to do and the end result was completely different than what you wanted? Be clear on what you’re requesting and have them repeat their understanding of your request.
Also, get in the habit of checking in on the progress of important tasks.
Make sure each person has the right tools and sufficient knowledge to use them properly
Occasionally the right person doesn’t have the required tools or knowledge to complete the task. They may even be reluctant to admit it! If you think that may be the case, make sure they know who to go to or where to go to find the information and/or tools.
Hold them accountable
There are few things worse than delegating a task and finding out it’s not finished when needed. Most of us have experienced this challenge. It’s important to be clear on the importance of the deadline associated with the task. Regardless of whether the delegate “should” be on track or not, a missed deadline falls on your shoulders. You’re the one who will ultimately feel the stress caused by a missed timeline. In addition, if you state that a task is important but neglect to give it the attention it deserves, it reflects on your integrity. Make sure you are walking your talk at all times.
Provide ongoing communication and feedback
To ensure that the deadline is met and the work is being done properly, it’s important to check in on the progress of the assignment. Course corrections are critical to the successful and timely completion of important tasks.
Effective delegation leverages your time and effort. Delegation gives you the opportunity to focus on the key components of your job. It will create a team that is more valuable, productive and loyal. When your team has a sense that they are truly contributing to your success and your company’s success they will produce excellent results every time. So delegate a little more and grow your business considerably.
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