Leadership Dilemma: Perfecting the Technique of Delegation: The Three Types of Orbs Leaders Oversee
As a dynamic leader at the helm of Team Tenacity Inc., Jay Gauthier Jr. has cultivated a powerhouse organization boasting over 500 licensed agents spread across the United States and Canada. But even the most proficient leaders face challenges, and one of Jay's toughest lessons has been recognizing when to seize responsibility and when to relinquish it to others.
The Power of Juggling Three Sphere
In the unforgiving world of leadership, juggling tasks can feel like a precarious endeavor. However, the image of juggling three types of balls, each with its unique characteristics, can help identify which tasks deserve priority and which can be entrusted to others.
The Balls of Leadership: Rubber, Plastic, and Glass
- Rubber Balls: These are your non-urgent tasks that can be put on hold or dropped without harm. Meetings you'd prefer to skip, or non-urgent emails are examples of such tasks. While they are important, they don't require your constant attention.
- Plastic Balls: These tasks are of moderate importance and should be given attention yet not stress you out. Weekly reports, team updates, or repetitive tasks fall into this category. Even if they're delayed or mishandled, they don't face the same severe consequences as the glass balls.
- Glass Balls: Thus far, you might see a pattern; aluminum can, plastic bottle, and now a glass ball. But wait, these aren't just fragile balls to be handled with care, they are your high-stakes, mission-critical tasks. Strategic decisions, major client meetings, or critical presentations are nearly always glass balls. Drop these, and your organization, team, or career could shatter as a result.
The Art of Delegating: Harness the Power of Your Team
Delegating effectively is a skill that sets apart great leaders from good ones. To master it:
1. Inventory your tasks
Reflect on the tasks you juggle and categorize them based on their urgency and importance–rubber, plastic, or glass balls.
2. Embrace your team's strengths
Take time to understand each team member's strengths and assign tasks accordingly. If your team member excels in client relations, let them handle customer-facing responsibilities.
3. Set clear expectations
When delegating a task, be clear about the objectives, deadlines, and expectations. Communicating these details helps ensure success.
4. Implement systems for accountability
Establish a system that keeps you apprised of task progress and allows for timely follow-ups. Weekly check-ins or shared task trackers can help in this regard.
Building a Delegation-Friendly Culture
A culture that encourages delegation leads to a team that thrives. This means empowering your team members and fostering an environment they feel confident enough to take on responsibility, make decisions and grow. When done right, delegation can elevate not only your team but also your leadership.
And so, instead of trying to carry the world on your shoulders, consider which balls need to be firmly held, which can be safely passed off, and which can bounce a little without causing any harm. Your team will appreciate it, and your leadership will soar.
Jay Gauthier Jr., with his exemplary leadership at Team Tenacity Inc., understands the importance of recognizing when to take responsibility and when to delegate, demonstrating tenacity and wisdom in juggling key tasks. By categorizing tasks as rubber, plastic, or glass balls, leaders can identify their priorities and entrust certain tasks to their engaged team members, enabling them to utilize their strengths and contribute effectively to the organization.
