I’ve loved getting into the nuts and bolts of delegation skills with you over the last couple of weeks and today here’s a great delegation tip that works like magic!
When you ask for something to be done by a specified date, let the person concerned know that you’ve noted their next action in your diary – it keeps them accountable!
You can use this tip on anyone – staff, bosses, colleagues, and even clients! It can be done face to face, over the phone, in meeting minutes, noted in your diary or even on your electronic system. The key point is that you let the other person know you’re doing it. You might say to them on the phone, ‘I’m just making a diary note to expect … by … Is that okay with you?’ Both parties will be clear on the expectation and time frame.
You’ll be surprised at how well this simple question holds people accountable!
This is a brilliant tip Robyn – thanks for making it easier to keep us all accountable. Making the diary date of expectancy forces me to follow up if it is not done! I don’t feel badly because we both agreed that this is what would happen. i’m just following my diary’s instructions!
I am loving these tips and yes, the accountability is a biggie – to be honest I use it on myself at times! Set myself a diary note that then pops up and asks me if I have done some thing!
This is something I have been using from some time, and it works! What’s more, I put these things in my Outlook calendar, as well as tasks I have to complete, so that you get reminders before they are due. They just ‘pop up’ automatically!
Thanks Yvonne :) It is quite amazing how well this easy tip works isn’t it. I am positive that productivity is a lot higher when everyone is clear on the expectations!
That is a great idea Lori! There is absolutely no harm in making appointments and deadlines for ourselves – I am glad it works for you!!
Thats a great idea, thanks Linda :)