Delegation & Supervision Book Review

I am actively looking to improve my delegation skills. I did some research and found Brian Tracy’s book recommended on a couple of websites. It has great reviews on Amazon so I gave it a go.

I found this book to be okay. I was overcomplicating delegation but the book seems to wander and hit on a variety of topics. I wish it would have taught a bullet proof framework backed with science.

If you are looking for a high level overview of delegation with a few practical tips, then this book might be worth a spot on your book shelf.

Here are some notes I took while reading.

The Starting Point Of Delegation

Ask the right questions

1. What am I trying to do?
2. How am I trying to do it?
3. Could there be a better way?

Start off by thinking about your situation today, where you want to be in the future, and the very best way that you can get there.

This quote popped into my mind,

We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

— Albert Einstein

It’s important that you assess whether the person is skilled or competent enough to delegate the task. You will want to avoid “abdicating” by making sure you aren’t setting someone up to fail on something that is too difficult or complicated for them to solve.

The Importance Of Clarity In Delegation

In order to properly delegate a task you first must be crystal clear on what you are asking to be done. Next, the person you are delegating to must be just as clear on what needs to be done.

When people are unclear or unsure about what you want, they will tend to hold back rather than make a mistake. They will waste their time and spin their wheels.

— Brian Tracy pg. 18

As a leader it is our job to make sure everyone is clear of what is expected of them and in what order of priority.

The biggest insight for me is that it takes time to properly plan to delegate. You must create the time so you are clear on what needs done.

Set Standards

The rule is “what get’s measured gets done”.

Post the numbers and metrics that you have deemed the standard. Make it clear what everyone should strive for. In order to motivate your team to reach these standards you must,

1. Set clear goals, objectives, and key result areas
2. Clear standards of measurement
3. Success experiences – the feeling and fact of actually completing the job to a high standard
4. Recognition from the boss, and from other people
5. Rewards that are directly tied to excellent performance of the business task.

MBO (Management By Objective

MBO is broken down into the following steps

1. Discussion builds commitment – regularly talk about what needs to be accomplished.
2. Agree on the steps to be followed – you must have an agreed-upon plan.
3. Regularly evaluate and compare – once the task is delegated you must regularly check-in to ensure they are on-track to the agreed-upon plan.

Biggest Insights

There are numerous steps a leader must take to properly delegate. If you are not clear on the steps and skip one or two you will likely see poor results.

My biggest takeaway from this book is that it’s a good idea to publish the steps I will personally take to properly delegate tasks to my team.

I will need to hold myself accountable and be disciplined to following each step every time.

If tasks that are delegated aren’t completed I must review where in the process the communication broken down and adjust my process.

It’s clear to me that delegating a task is the transfer of authority and responsibility but not ownership. The leader still ultimately owns the finally outcome of the delegation process.

Summary of Delegation & Supervision by Brian Tracy

Delegation & Supervision by Brian Tracy is a concise, actionable guide aimed at helping managers and leaders improve their skills in delegating tasks and supervising teams. Tracy outlines strategies to maximize productivity and efficiency by effectively distributing work and providing guidance that leads to success.

Key Concepts:

1. The Importance of Delegation: Tracy begins by emphasizing that delegation is one of the most important skills for any leader or manager. It allows leaders to focus on high-priority tasks while empowering their teams to take ownership of other responsibilities. Delegating effectively is key to maximizing productivity, developing team members, and freeing up time for strategic thinking.
2. Barriers to Delegation: Many managers struggle with delegation due to fear of losing control, perfectionism, or the belief that no one can do the job as well as they can. Tracy addresses these mental blocks, explaining that delegating is crucial for scaling a business or managing a team. Leaders must trust their team and allow for mistakes as part of the learning process.
3. The 7 Steps to Delegation: Tracy outlines a structured, step-by-step process for effective delegation:
   • Step 1: Choose the right person: Assign the task to someone with the skills, experience, and potential to complete it.
   • Step 2: Clearly define the task: Provide a detailed explanation of the task, including the desired outcomes and deadlines, to avoid confusion.
   • Step 3: Set a deadline: Ensure there is a clear time frame for when the task must be completed, allowing for proper time management.
   • Step 4: Establish a level of authority: Define the amount of decision-making power the individual has for the task. This ranges from making no decisions (just executing) to full authority over the project.
   • Step 5: Identify resources: Let the person know what tools, support, or resources are available to them to help with the task.
   • Step 6: Monitor progress: Regularly check in on progress without micromanaging. Provide guidance when necessary to keep the task on track.
   • Step 7: Give feedback and reward: Once the task is completed, provide constructive feedback and recognize the person’s efforts. Positive reinforcement helps motivate and build confidence for future tasks.
4. Supervision and Follow-Up: Tracy stresses the importance of ongoing supervision and support after delegating tasks. While micromanaging should be avoided, regular check-ins are crucial to ensure tasks stay on track. Managers should focus on coaching, providing feedback, and being available to answer questions or address concerns.
5. Empowering Your Team: One of the key principles Tracy promotes is empowerment. Delegation is not just about offloading work but also about giving team members opportunities to grow, learn new skills, and take ownership of their roles. Tracy encourages leaders to delegate not only routine tasks but also those that challenge employees and help them develop professionally.
6. Managing Accountability: Tracy highlights the need for clear accountability. When delegating tasks, managers should ensure that the individual understands their responsibility and the consequences of both success and failure. This requires setting clear expectations and ensuring that employees are held accountable for their work.
7. Time Management and Priority Setting: Effective delegation helps managers focus on the most important tasks—those that have the highest impact on the organization’s success. Tracy advocates for prioritizing tasks using the 80/20 rule, where 20% of activities yield 80% of results. Delegating less critical tasks allows leaders to focus on high-value work.
8. Handling Delegation Challenges: Tracy acknowledges that delegation doesn’t always go smoothly. Mistakes will happen, and some employees may struggle with the responsibilities. The book provides strategies for dealing with these situations, including how to address poor performance, give corrective feedback, and reassign tasks if necessary.

Conclusion:

Delegation & Supervision by Brian Tracy provides a clear roadmap for leaders to master the art of delegation and effective supervision. By following Tracy’s seven-step process and learning how to empower, monitor, and hold team members accountable, managers can significantly improve both their productivity and their team’s performance. The book underscores that effective delegation not only increases efficiency but also fosters growth and development within teams, ultimately leading to a more successful and scalable organization.