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Delegation is the key to a successful organization. It helps people in your organization prepare for future leadership roles and frees up more time so you can do other things. Sharing responsibilities and delegating authority keeps members interested and enthusiastic about the group. You might be reluctant to delegate because you want to make sure the job is done right (your way). But lack of delegation can create apathetic and uninterested membership. All members share in the responsibility of making the organization a success.

Group Benefits

• Members become more involved and committed
• More projects and activities are undertaken
• A greater chance that projects will be completed
• Increased opportunities for members to develop leadership skills
• More of a chance to fill leadership roles with qualified, experienced people
• Organization operates more smoothly

Leader Benefits

• Not being spread too thin and therefore less likely to burn out
• Gain satisfaction of seeing members grow and develop
• Acquire more experience with executive and administrative responsibilities

An Appropriate Time to Delegate is When:

• There is work to be done!
• Routine matters need attention
• Someone can benefit from the responsibility
• A member has particular qualifications for or interest in a task
• Details take up too much time & have to be divided

The time NOT to Delegate is When

• The task is something you would not want to do yourself
• Someone is under or over qualified for the task
• The area is big or is an unsolved problem, or issue dealing with personal feelings or with confidentiality
• The work is your specific responsibility

Ways to Delegate

• Ask for volunteers by a show or hands or passing a sign-up sheet (interest is a great motivator!) However, you could be "stuck" if no one signs up
• Appoint or suggest someone. Sometimes a member lacks self-confidence and won't volunteer, appointing (or asking) him/her demonstrates your confidence in him/her.
• Assign through a committee. This takes the pressure off of an individual and reinforces the organizational structure.
• "Best Fit" of person with the task is the most effective. Try to spread the enjoyable and responsible tasks around, giving more members status and value.

Questions to Answer When Delegating

• Why this person?
• When should it be completed?
• Why this task?
• What help do you need?
• How should you begin?
• "I'll check with you in ________ ."

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