How many hours do you need in a day?
You know there are only 24, and that sleep and rest are important, but your every-increasing workload doesn’t seem to comprehend that.
You could easily work all 24 hours of every day, and still have things on your ‘to do’ list.
It’s frustrating and overwhelming. There’s so much you want to achieve, and so much that needs doing. How can you possibly do it all?
Wait for it. Because the answer is depressing, discouraging and disheartening.
You see, the cold hard truth is that you can’t do it all.
There’s no way in the world.
Face it. Being a professional dentist is a full-time job. And then there’s being a practice owner.
You have to wear so many hats. Marketing expert, financial controller, human resource manager, customer relations ….
The list is endless.
But before you slump on the floor in a puddle of despondency, I do have a little good news.
Because, although you can’t possibly do it all, you can get it all done.
That’s right.
There’s a way to get more done without working yourself to the death.
In fact, if you do it right you can actually do less and still get more achieved.
Sound miraculous, right?
But it’s not. The answer to your problems comes through embracing the power of delegation.
You just need to know two things:
the keys to successful delegation
when to delegate.
So, let’s look at successful, effective delegation.
Keys To Successful Delegation
1. Know Exactly What You Want Done
It sounds simple, but you need to get really clear on what you want done.
2. Identify The Right Person To Do The Assignment
Not every person in your team is going to be able to do every job. Match the personal skills and experience of your team members to the task.
And don’t make the mistake of always delegating tasks to the same person.
3. Work With The Team Member To Create An Action Plan
Together you need to identify what needs to be done, what resources are available, and what support he or she can expect.
4. Provide Clear And Concrete Expectations
Think in terms of the outcomes you want, rather than making the common mistake of telling people how the task should be completed.
5. Set Standards For Success
This means setting the standards you expect, along with clear timelines, and progress milestones.
6. Alert Key People
Let the relevant people know that you have selected your delegate to do the assignment.
7. Observe And Provide Feedback
Stand back and see what happens. Be ready to provide clear feedback on what was done well, and what could be improved.
8. Meet With The Delegate Regularly
Set up regular meetings so you can regulate progress.
9. Celebrate Success And Achievement
Quite simply, give credit where credit is due.
10. Resist The Desire To Criticise
Don’t expect perfection, particularly the first time around. But do provide information on ways to improve.
11. Resist The Temptation To Take Over
Try not to take over or micromanage, particularly if you see the person struggling a little. Instead, teach people to be problem solvers and coach and mentor when they get stuck.
Use these keys to delegation successfully hand over anything that can be done by someone else.
Yes, it’s a lot of work. Yes, you need to invest time and energy up front, but it’s worth it.
Think of how much more you could get done if you could only clone yourself. Imagine it.
With one clone you can double your output, with two you triple it.
You know where I’m going with this, right? I know you do.
Effective delegation is similar to cloning yourself. You’re right that no one else is going to do the job exactly as you do it. But that’s not important.
What’s important is the increased output. The fact that you can double, triple or quadruple what gets achieved.
That is well worth the effort of a little training.
So, now that you’ve got that nailed, how do you know when to delegate?
I’m so glad you asked …
When To Delegate
If you’re not sure when to delegate, just use my quick checklist.
If someone can do it better than me, delegate
If someone can do it at least 80% as well as me, delegate
If someone has the potential to do it at least 80% as well as me, train and equip them
Don’t Dream It, Do It
Have you heard of Andrew Carnegie? His is a real rags to riches story.
Carnegie started work as a telegrapher and by 1899 he owned over 25% of American steel production. By 1902, he was the richest man in the world.
He was also a master delegator and believed, “No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.”
A friend of Carnegie’s once told him he worked long hours. Carnegie said:
You must be a lazy man if it takes you ten hours to do a day’s work. What I do is get good men and I never give them orders. My directions do not go beyond suggestions. Here in the morning I get reports from them. Within an hour I have disposed of everything, sent out all my suggestions, the day’s work done, and I am ready to go out and enjoy myself.
So if you’ve been fantasising about free time, you need to take a leaf out of Carnegie’s book.
Stop dreaming and start delegating.
Make a list of everything on your ‘to-do’ list and start putting other peoples’ names against each item.
Grab my keys to success and use it as a checklist.
Then get out there and start giving your team responsibility.
They’ll thrive on the challenge.
You’ll have some free time.
And you’ll both be much happier.
What are you waiting for? A little free time is within your grasp.
This post first appeared on Dr Jesse Green
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About Jesse
Dr Jesse Green is a dentist, entrepreneur, best-selling author and renowned thought leader in the field of dental practice management.
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