Checkpoint: Managing by Results

You have asked your assistant to handle preparing your parents' 50th wedding anniversary party. You haven’t given her much to work with except the venue, their favorite colors are grey & lavender and they like Frank Sinatra. You come back to the venue, and nothing is the way you envisioned. You are furious with the assistant because she did not do what you intended for her to. She has reiterated that she did everything that you have mentioned. What could you do differently? *

Delegating the set up to your assistant

Yell at the assistant upon returning to the venue and say she isn’t doing her job well.

Setting clear expectations regarding the details you want for your parents’ anniversary party

Find another person to handle the event and fire your assistant.

What is an example of why delegation may not work out? *

Asking questions about what your instructions are.

Not delegating to the right person.

Sharing periodic updates with your team.

Having weekly check-ins with the team for deadlines.

Working as the only Asian American on the team, you are often given unclear instructions and being blamed for things when they go wrong. Lately your boss has been tasking you with the diversity training for the China division. He is never sure with what he wants exactly, and he often rushes you when completing projects. Due to the lack of direction, your performance has suffered. You have an upcoming meeting with your director and what to voice your concerns. What examples of delegation gone wrong is your boss displaying that you will discuss with the director? *

That he hasn’t chosen someone with the right ability to lead this division.

He has not communicated clear direction with what he would like you to do

He has provided job training for the China division.

He checks in periodically with your timelines to ensure you are performing well.

The Art of Delegating

Checkpoint: Managing by Results