Online Class: Delegation Skills

This class provides an understanding of the advantages of delegation, clarify appropriate and effective methods for carrying it out, including guidelines for assessment, motivation, and continual success.

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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 25
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,298
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

The Art of Delegation

Delegation of the very work for which you are both responsible and accountable, that you have spent emotional energy to acquire, and in which you have invested education and experience, is a difficult skill to develop. 

Letting go is what it's all about.  But though giving up usually means losing, getting less, taking the back seat, with the right parameters, delegation will give you the freedom to do more with increased efficiency and effectiveness. 

This class provides an understanding of the advantages of delegation, clarify appropriate and effective methods for carrying it out, including guidelines for assessment, motivation, and continual success.  In fourteen lessons you will move from being a manger trying to do it all and burning out, to becoming a manager who can successfully and purposefully delegate.

What is Delegation?
 


Delegation is the answer to most problems you have as a manager or leader at work or in your personal life. It is the answer to your inability to get it all done, exhaustion at the end of the day, and a brain that can frazzle when several projects are demanding attention at the same time.

Delegation, used as a noun, is a group of people working toward the same purpose. Delegation, as a verb, means managing a group of people toward the same purpose. Keep this in mind as you proceed through the lessons in this class. In this first lesson, you will develop a vision for leading a delegation that is excellent, successful, and goal orientated. You will see how the foundation of delegation requires planning. But most of all, you will learn that delegation is the most effective strategy for getting any job accomplished in a timely manner, and at the highest quality of workmanship.

Focus Points:

1.  You must make a decision to delegate and develop a plan with follow-through, or it won't happen.  

  • Every manager, boss, or leader thinks they delegate. Just ask one. However, delegating involves much more than handing out assignments, putting up an organizational chart, or distributing a few tasks. True delegation takes planning, preparation, and the ability to open yourself up to others. That means, at least initially, it will take some work. It means, in the long run, it will build your team, strengthen your mission, and best of all, give you the freedom to focus your work where it really counts. 

  • Every plan begins with an inventory of your own personal goals, your own strengths and talents and, most importantly, a self-analysis of your current style of leadership. It's getting a baseline – a beginning point. You have to know where you are, before you can get to where you want to be. Knowing these things allows you to measure how far you have come, and how far you have to go. It is often difficult to see progress from a subjective perspective.   However, if you can track accomplishments, work completion, and other measures of success, you will get a definitive and objective view of the forward movement, as well as all of the pieces that are working together. Being able to track what is happening, using the data from real events or products, will give you the confidence to continue in this direction that puts the best-run organizations at the top. 

  • Delegation is an active, ongoing part of an efficient team of any size. It incorporates a leader, a plan, and clearly stated goals and objectives with data that shows progress. The plan must include the mission or vision of the group, specify a person who is responsible for each piece with built-in data collection methods for both communication between the members, and to track progress objectively. It requires communication skills -- both written and verbal -- regular team and individual face time, and an ability to move and change with the progress, or lack thereof, as shown by the data. It is a work in progress, being continually fluid, as the leader and the team adjust the objectives that step them toward their goals or their vision. 

2.   Appropriate delegation has been proven to produce employees who buy into the company vision, thus giving their best efforts, managers who find more success in achieving their own goals, and a workplace that is effective, positive, and productive. 

  • Throughout the lessons in this class, you will learn how to develop various strategies that will enable you and your organization to not just improve what you are about, but strategies that will show you the way to a team focus, a team effort, and a clear method for communication, monitoring, and assessment of the work. The data collected presents a definitive picture of several key issues.   

  • First this process of delegation will give you a solid and viable plan to follow. The plan will spell out specifics about what the goals are, who is responsible for each part, how the progress is to be reported, and state dates and times to review those reports. With this simple strategy, everything you are about is above board, clearly stated, and put out on the table up front. Each person in your team will know how the group will be proceeding toward the outcomes. Each team member will be aware of the fact that each person has been given a task that complements the talents and abilities of the group, as a whole, as well as that of each individual.

  • The second key is that a plan sets up the organization for clear communication about the work, the milestones for each person, as well as for the team, and a visible approach for assessment of work completion and the depth of that work. It also supports an openness about how to use the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. 

  • The third key point is that this kind of plan has natural built-in moments for coaching, personal improvement goals, and personal development between members. When you delegate with a plan, your company will be set up to work in a supportive and positive manner, create a productive group, and drive individuals toward their personal best. 

  • Unfortunately for some employees, it brings to the surface those who hide behind the work of others, fail to do their share of the work, or are lacking in the skills required. This is key for the leader who evaluates both the team and the individual. The data collected and efforts to support employees within the group will be evidence used in self-evaluation, as well as the employee evaluations that a company demands. It is the perfect start to working with that employee to make a turn-around or a choice to find a job with a better fit. 

3.  A plan to delegate begins with a simple organizational chart that entails four main parts, and functions to both monitor and assess the completion of each objective through products, data, or demonstration.   

 

  • Part one of the plan is to write the vision for the organization, the company or the team at the top of the plan. This will set the umbrella under towards which all goals will move. It will keep the eye of the manager and his group on the larger picture. The plan will keep the wheels moving in the right direction, at the right speed, and with the right personnel. This vision is not written by the team but by the ownership of the company. The strength of individual goals is only as good as the clarity of the company vision. 

  • Part two of the plan is defining goals for the task. The task may be a routine part of the daily job or a project your company has been hired to do.  These goals will be stated as "SMART" goals. They will be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. This means that each goal will be stated in such a way that anyone can understand exactly what is called for. It will leave no room for inaccurate interpretation. It will clearly frame how the goal will be measured, given in terms that can be managed effectively, measured, and put into a time table that is realistic yet set to meet any deadline. 

  • Part three is the development of objectives. This piece takes the goals and breaks them down into steps toward reaching that goal. Every project, routine job, or goal is attained through a series of steps. Each step must be listed under each goal, again in specific language, using words that clearly cite the exactness of this objective requirement, the completion date, and data that demonstrates the quality and correctness of the objective.  

  • The fourth part of the plan is to list the names of the person responsible for each objective toward meeting each objective or each goal. Remember that the goal is broader while the objective is the more specific steps taken in reaching that goal. One person might be assigned the goal with an understanding that they are also responsible for each step in reaching the goal. Or different people might be assigned different objectives because of their individual experience or skills. Most often the manager will be tracking the goals and the objectives will be assigned to employees. In a large group the manager might assign a person to track goals or a "goal tender" and then that person report back to the leader.

As the monitoring dates approach, the leader of the team, or the assigned "goal tender," will set up a meeting with the individual or group that has that responsibility. It is during this meeting that the leader will assess success in meeting the objective, make changes as needed with personnel, or the time line, or the way the objective has been stated. The exchange between this leader and the employee at this point is of high importance to the accomplishments of the team and of the company. It is during these pointed meetings that listening becomes as crucial as speaking. It is at this juncture that the leader will make decisions about employee coaching, or possible movement of assignments to give more or less responsibility. He must be able to evaluate and note all progress made for reports to his own supervisor. 

During this part of the delegation plan, the manager is able to demonstrate to an employee his need for skill development, his strong abilities that support a promotion, and construct feed-back in a non-critical method. The data will speak for itself. The manager will take this information and work to build a stronger and more effective team. 
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(408 votes)

Lesson 1: What Is Delegation?

Delegation is the answer to most problems you have as a manager or leader at work, or in your personal life. Additional lesson topics: Delegation and Supervision The Brian Tracy Success Library ; If You Want It Done Right, You Don't Have to Do It Yourself!: The Power of Effective Delegation 12 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2: 5 Ways to Delete Tasks and Why You Should

Beyond delegation of duties or tasks, there is a need to know how to simply delete some of them. Additional lesson topics: Use the “70% Rule” to Know When to Delegate Tasks 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3: The 10-Step Process for Effective Delegation

All things change with time. If you are not flexible, yourself, it will be difficult to delegate effectively. Additional lesson topics: Delegation: Reference for Business 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4: Communication: How to Give Better Instructions for Better Results

In the delegation process, communication happens at every level, because it is a constant back and forth affair between a manager and his employee. Additional lesson topics: Art of Communication: Effective Delegation; Delegation and Empowerment: Communication is Key 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5: Feedback: How to Ask Questions and Listen

This lesson will focus specifically on feedback in the process of delegation. And though there are many reasons a boss, team, or co-worker might ask for feedback from others, it should be heavily integrated into the act of delegation. Additional lesson topics: The Delicate Art of Giving Feedback; Five Steps for Giving Productive Feedback 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6: Common Delegation Issues and How to Avoid Them

In this lesson you will be presented with situations that hinder delegation, and guidance on how to incorporate preventative measures. Additional lesson topics: 10 Common Leadership and Management Mistakes; Expanding and handling problems 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7: Setting Standards and Expectations for Excellent Performance

This lesson will focus specifically on setting standards and expectations for excellent performance in the process of delegation. Additional lesson topics: Setting and managing expectations; Holding Employees Accountable for Performance 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8: How to Motivate Your Staff Regularly

Both psychologists and business professionals who study behavior in the workplace suggest there are four basic levers that can be pulled. Additional lesson topics: Motivate and Influence Employee Behavior, Faster; Random Acts of Recognition 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9: Management by Objective

In this lesson, you will take the same pattern for writing goals and objectives for the jobs you assign, and simply write them for each individual to make the workplace expectations transparent to each person. Additional lesson topics: Use S.M.A.R.T. goals to launch management by objectives plan; Management by Objectives MBO 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10: Building Confidence in Your Staff

If managers are effective, then they will be a positive influence -- one that builds confidence in the employees who work for them. Additional lesson topics: Strategies For Building Confidence In Others; How to Build Self-Confidence in the Workplace 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11: How to Delegate Decision Making

The skills to delegate decision making are not easily acquired by the manager, or by the employee. Additional lesson topics: Empowerment and Delegation; How Can I Learn to Delegate Decision Making? 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12: Assessing and Providing Feedback

Assessment starts with goals. When everyone knows the goals, the expectations that the entire company supports, and each employee is trained to accomplish those goals, then the assessment part of that relationship between the company, management, and the team will flow naturally. Additional lesson topics: Providing Quality Feedback A Good Practice Guide 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 12

Lesson 13: Reverse Delegation - How It Happens, How to Prevent and Avoid

As manager, you will certainly frontload your staff on the requirements and time constraints of the job. Additional lesson topics: Avoiding Reverse Delegation 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 13

Lesson 14: 10 Qualities of a Successful Manager to Increase Output and Quality Through Delegation

There are 10 specific qualities or characteristics a manager must develop to lead the staff in this direction of increased quality production. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Exam 14
146
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what delegation is for the purposes of this course.
  • Describe 5 ways to delete tasks and why you should.
  • Summarize the 10-step process for effective delegation.
  • Summarize communication techniques that help successful delegation.
  • Identify feedback requirements for successful delegation.
  • Describe common delegation issues and how to avoid them.
  • Summarize setting standards and expectations for excellent performance.
  • Describe how to motivate your staff regularly.
  • Demonstrate management by objective.
  • Describe methods for building confidence in your staff.
  • Demonstrate how to delegate decision making.
  • Describe methods for assessing and providing feedback.
  • Define reverse delegation - how it happens, how to prevent and avoid.
  • Summarize 10 qualities of a successful manager to increase output and quality through delegation.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Delegation Skills
Course Number: 8900332
Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (408 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: June 2022
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: John Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "This course was very helpful. I will be able to put many of the concepts into play with my staff in my classroom. There are also many pieces I can use with my students." -- Debbie H.
  • "I found this course very helpful, especially when doing the lesson assignments as I had to step outside of my current way of thinking to complete some of these asks. It helped to do them in the context of my current work and really think about the team and the projects." -- Kerry K.

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