5 tips for handing out tasks

Assigning tasks is a large part of any leader’s job. If you’re in the process of handing out assignments right now, here are a few tips for making that process more effective…

Give the right tasks to the right people: No matter how routine a task is, you want to be sure that it’s given to the right person. If the task takes certain skills, you need to be sure you’re giving the responsibility to someone who has the skillset to get the job done. Don’t just give the job to someone who needs more to do. This can backfire.

Make the right person if there’s not one: Occasionally, there may not be a perfect candidate for the task you need to hand out. If this happens, figure out who has the most potential for success and train them to do the job. This will pay off in the long run because you’ll be able to dole out similar tasks to the employee that you’ve invested in. You’re also developing the employee into something greater, and that’s always a positive.

Give thorough instructions: You can’t expect success if you don’t explain what success looks like. Make sure any employee who’s been given new responsibilities knows how to define a successful completion of the task. You don’t have to tell them how to do it (more on that in a second), but be sure they’re clear on the end goal.

Trust your staff: If you don’t trust your team, you won’t be able give away the reigns on anything. If your team is capable and prepared, they’ll be able to get the result that you want. A lack of trust will lead to micromanaging and stress. Give your team the freedom to get the job done and let them worry about how they get there.

Check-in: If you want to see how an employee is doing with a new task, feel free to check-in, just don’t turn into a micromanager. Keep it quick and simple, ask how things are going, and volunteer any help if needed. This will let your employees know that you want to be supportive and that you also know they can handle it. This will make you a popular boss.