If you run a team, a department or an organization, you understand there is no shortage of work to be completed. But to be effective as a leader coach, you must entrust your team to do the job they commit to do. You may not even realize you are micromanaging since you have a stake in the outcome. You see this as your span of control, staying on top of everything to drive the strategic direction. It is natural for you to be involved in problem solving and decision making.
After all, you are ultimately accountable for the success or failure of a given initiative.
To be an effective leader coach, you need to let go of control and allow your team to take ownership of key initiatives. Here are THREE ways you can do this:
1. Brainstorm options to undertake the initiative, including any roadblocks and challenges the employee may encounter.
2. Communicate expectations up front, agree on deadlines and decide when you will receive updates.
3. Coach your employees to develop plans, strategies, and tactics and assure them you are available should they encounter any complications.
This ensures you will feel more at ease that the work is getting done, and you will be alerted to potential delays or other necessary updates. Delegating in this way establishes ownership and accountability among your team, and enables you to step back from micromanaging and focus on the more important things like coaching your team.
When you do this successfully, your employees see you trust them, have confidence in their abilities, and value their judgment. Ultimately, delegating authority develops your team and prepares them to innovate and make autonomous decisions, even when they reach an obstacle.
So, let me ask you… what is one task you can let go of TODAY that empowers your employee with that new responsibility or decision?
SAGE Alliance, a Leadership Performance Company; provides executive coaching, team-building, industry leading assessments, workshops and speaking on topics including: building a high-performing team through coaching, developing and optimizing your top talent, delivering commanding communications, creating a lasting impression, making a greater impact through personal branding for executives and high-potentials – for both team and individual leaders.
Shelley Hammell, is the president, CEO and author of You Think You’re Coaching, But You’re Not! available HERE, and is available for book signings and speaking engagements.