Delegation, what does it mean to you as a business owner or processional? Do you feel like you are an expert or can you always improve how you delegate to your team members? The synonyms for delegation are entrusting, giving, and transference. There is both an art and science to proper delegation. Of course, not all employees will have the same passion for the business as an entrepreneur might but the entrepreneur must trust those on their team working toward company mission statements, visions, and goals.

First start delegating in a S.M.A.R.T. way.

S : Specific

M : Measurable

A : Agreed

R : Realistic

T : Time bound

If you take the time to go through each step as the person doing the delegation, the outcome should be what you expect versus a vision of what you thought you should expect from assigning the task. An entrepreneur is limited on time. But think about it, would you rather explain properly upfront or repeat yourself multiple times only to become frustrated and stressed in the end? The common sense answer should be no but everyone is different. However, if growth and making life a bit easier is the aim, delegate and do it well.

While using the SMART way, be sure to include the following checklist to cross check for any missing information.

1. Define your task
2. Decide who you will delegate to (based on availability and skill set)
3. Make sure they have tools, materials, skills
4. Explain Task Well
5. State Expected Results
6. Agree on Deadline or Actionable Items Timeline

If you already do something like this with your team, great! But if your process could use room for improvement, try them, you might notice a difference. If you do have tips that work for you whether it be about delegation, contractor management, employees, and general business growth, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback and featured input is valuable to our small business and vendor community.

By Nadia Alcide of Simply Sociable

Simply Sociable is a boutique administrative consulting firm that understands the importance of leveraging the internet and technology. Simply Sociable specializes in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to work on their business instead of in it. Nadia Alcide is the founder and a University of Florida alumni.