Okey Okere, Vice President of The Culture Factor Canada and Managing Partner at The Culture Factor Africa, recently shared his expertise on delegation in decision-making during a session of the Goodmorning BSN! webinar series. With his extensive background in leadership development, Okey provided valuable insights into enhancing efficiency and empowering teams through effective delegation.
The art of delegation
Okey stated that delegation is a fundamental aspect of leadership aimed at enhancing efficiency and building future leaders within the organisation. He noted, “Delegation helps improve efficiencies and ensures that leaders can focus on high-priority strategic outlooks of the organisation.” By assigning responsibilities that match team members’ skill sets, leaders not only free up their time for critical tasks but also aid in the professional growth of their staff, which is crucial for succession planning.
Navigating the challenges of delegation
Addressing the risks associated with delegation, Okey shared, “One of the main challenges leaders face with delegation is the fear of losing control over tasks, which can lead to potential inconsistencies in outcomes.” He stressed the importance of trusting team members while also implementing a robust system of checks and balances to maintain accountability. Okey added, “Effective delegation involves choosing the right tasks and the right people, ensuring alignment with their skills and interests, and then trusting them to carry out the responsibilities.”
Rebuilding trust after delegation failures
A key highlight from the session was the discussion on rebuilding trust after delegation failures. Okey advised on the necessity of close supervision following a delegation mishap to rebuild trust and ensure task completion. “It’s crucial to increase the frequency of supervision following a failed delegation attempt to ensure tasks are back on track without micromanaging,” he explained. This approach helps in confirming that delegated tasks align with strategic goals without stifling team members’ autonomy.
Concluding his presentation, Okey reiterated the significance of delegation in leadership: “Delegate for your sanity, your health, and the organisation’s success. It’s about empowering your team to take on responsibilities and bring innovative solutions to the table.” By fostering a culture of trust and accountability, leaders can enhance organisational effectiveness and prepare their teams for future challenges.
By embracing these principles, leaders can cultivate a dynamic and responsive work environment that not only meets the current demands but also paves the way for future success.
Take part in our Goodmorning BSN!
Join the discussion every Tuesday morning at our weekly global webinar Goodmorning BSN! at 08:15 am (CET).
If you would like to replay other webinars, check out our Goodmorning BSN! YouTube Channel.
