Lead Well Q4 2022
There was one question that I did not have time to cover in last night’s Lead Well teaching, but it’s a very important question for every leader:
How do you delegate well?
The key to delegation is understanding what delegation is, and knowing the difference between delegation and abdication. Let’s define these two words.
Delegation - the process of entrusting and empowering
Abdication - failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty
With delegation a process and a progression are involved. Think of good delegation happening in five stages.
The Five Stages of Delegation
1. I do.
You cannot lead where you have not been. Jesus has never asked us to do anything that he has not first done himself.
2. I do, you watch.
Invite another person or others into the process. Give the why and teach the how. Why is the most important question to answer, but how is a close second.
3. We do together.
It’s at this point that many of us abdicate because we’re relieved to have it off our plate, or because it feels inefficient, but this is the most critical step. Skipping this step means you haven’t delegated, you’ve dumped. That’s not responsible leadership. Give responsibility, be present, and follow up with evaluation and feedback.
What’s Right, Wrong, Confusing, Missing? Accentuate what’s right. Fix what’s wrong. Clarify what’s confusing. Add what’s missing.
4. You do, I watch.
You’re now hands off and observing. This step is followed by evaluation and feedback.
5. You do.
You’ve followed the process and the progression, and while it may have felt inefficient, it will save so much time and confusion in the long run. The doing is still followed by evaluation and feedback. Jesus modeled this with the 72 in Luke 10:17-20:
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20 NIV
With you and for you,
Pastor Gabe