Delegating Authority

15. Delegation

Is the act of empowering or giving authority to another person to complete a work task. It provides the crew member with the capacity to make decisions and to complete the task with minimal supervision.

15.1 Why you don’t delegate to other crew members

Before we work out how to delegate, we need to understand reasons people avoid it. Quite simply put is that it takes a lot of effort up front.

Which is easier? Doing an INX, or having other crew members of your crew do it? You know how to complete the INX yourself. It would be straightforward for you to enter the INX but is it a good use of your time?"

It would be far easier to do an INX yourself rather than training a crew member on how to complete the task

You have other work

Some ways to help you delegate successfully:

1. Learn to trust your crew members.

2. Be clear with the desired objectives. Explain clearly what the desired result is.

3. Be mindful of what you can and can’t delegate. Understand that by delegating some responsibility, you will still be accountable for the end result. The buck stops with you!

4. Provide support and be available to guide them.

5. Provide them with the required time frame to complete the task in a timely manner.

6. Remember that everyone does things differently and that it doesn’t mean that your way is the best way. Focus on the end outcome.

7. Be patient with your crew member while they are learning.

8. Ensure that the crew member is being accountable for the task and do not allow them to shift the blame. Help them to come up with solutions. Guide them to the answer don’t give them the answer.

9. Provide recognition where deserved and thank them for their input

In thoroughly considering these key points prior to and during the delegation process you will find that you delegate more successfully.

16 Take action to resolve conflicts either directly, where a positive outcome can be immediately achieved, or by referral to appropriate