<a href="http://leadchangegroup.com/tag/trust"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7144" title="Trust, Colorful words hang on rope by wooden peg" src="http://leadchangegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Trustdelegation-300x200.jpg" alt="6 Delegation Tips that Build Trust | Lead Change Group" width="300" height="200" /></a>Delegation is powerful.   It’s a huge part of growing a business and creating trust.   One person can only do so much effectively.  To multiply and accomplish more, delegating effectively is vital.

Why do people struggle with delegation?   Not because they don’t want to delegate, but because they are not taught how to delegate effectively.

Many leaders delegate <em>activities</em> rather than <em>results</em> and then micromanage the process.  This micromanagement creates a lack of trust.

Effective delegation actually increases the amount of time you can allocate to high priority, non-urgent items.  Take time on the front end and set things up properly so effective delegation is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">built into the culture of the organization</span>.
<h3> 3 Delegation Tips That Create Trust</h3>
<ol>
	<li><strong>Create a culture of delegation</strong>.  According to <a href="https://www.stephencovey.com/">Stephen R. Covey</a>, in his book “<a title="Principle Centered Leadership at Amazon.com" href="http://j.mp/PKb9Sr">Principle Centered Leadership</a>”, most people won’t take the time to <em>explain, to train to commit</em>.  Dave Ramsey, author of <a href="http://daveramsey.com/entreleadership">EntreLeadership</a>, states that you don’t start with delegation; you hire the right people and create the culture first.  Lay the foundation for effective delegation.</li>
	<li><strong>Create a culture of mutual trust</strong>.  To delegate effectively there has to be a high level of trust and trustworthiness in the organization.  <a href="http://www.coveylink.com/">Stephen M.R. Covey</a>, author of “<a title="Smart Trust: Creating Energy, Prosperity, and Joy in a Low Trust World by Stephen M.R. Covery at Amazon.com" href="http://j.mp/NVnhhE" target="_blank">Smart Trust</a>” states that nothing engages someone like being trusted.</li>
	<li><strong>Delegate results not activities</strong>.   When all you delegate is activities, buy-in is less likely.  <a href="http://www.coveylink.com/">Covey</a> states that <em>Stewardship Delegation</em> is the most powerful and effective form of delegation.   Delegate the results you want and let the employees work within the guidelines you provide to achieve the results.</li>
</ol>
<h3>3 Delegation Tips That Build Results</h3>
<ol>
	<li><strong>Declare your intent to motive (<span style="text-decoration: underline;">why)</span> behind the (<span style="text-decoration: underline;">what)</span></strong>.  Explain why you are delegating, there are no hidden agendas.   This makes it open and builds trust.</li>
	<li><strong>Qualify expectations</strong>.  Describe what winning looks like, this creates a <em>no surprises</em> effect.</li>
	<li><strong>Have an accountability process</strong>.  The employees will anticipate it, and, because it was <em>mutually</em> put together they will respect and trust it.</li>
</ol>
<h3>The Power of Trust</h3>
Trust is powerful.    It’s also fast (see Covey’s book <a href="http://www.coveylink.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Speed of Trust</span></a>).   It can be lost quickly.  Trust is also reciprocal.  If you give trust, it will be given back to you.   According to Covey, delegation is a result of this trust.

<strong>What are some effective delegation methods that you have used / practiced?</strong> <strong>What advice would you give beginning leaders about delegation?</strong>

<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto</span>