Delegation Continued…Task Relevant Maturity
Effective delegation involves adjusting your delegation style based on Task Relevant Maturity of your team, also known as their competence.
In a previous blog I talked about the requirements of effective delegation. This blog will explore that further.
The final step in effective delegation is to adjust your delegation style based on Task Relevant Maturity, also known as competence.
Understanding Task Relevant Maturity
There are three levels of Task Relevance Maturity to consider.
Low Task Relevant Maturity. This person has little experience, is a new hire, or is new to the task. Delegation will need to be directive, the progress monitored carefully, and the outcome inspected for quality completion. A debrief will help them to learn and grow.
Medium Task Relevant Maturity. This person has a considerable level of competency in completing tasks like the one you are trying to delegate. Despite this, their experience may still be limited, and their critical thinking and judgement continuing to develop. Here, you can explain the task and ask them to develop the plan. Review the plan with them and they can draft the agreement for completion. This staff can come to you when stuck or confused, but otherwise monitoring of major milestones should be enough oversight. A debriefing following completion will remain an important part of their growth and your trust in their ongoing abilities.
High Task Relevant Maturity. This person has a high level of experience. Perhaps they are even an expert. Here you will use a leadership style of delegation. Such a style involves getting a clear understanding of the objectives and end deliverable, holding them accountable for the results, and you then stepping away to let them make it happen. Trust will also be essential for this type of relationship. Still complete a debrief, as there will be valuable learning from the outcomes for you both to discuss.
Your next steps with this information might be to think about who on your staff or team have the difference levels of task maturity, then to think about what tasks might be best delegated to each of them.
Want to learn more? Let’s connect.
Adapted from “Effectiveness 2.7 Effective Delegation Part 2” by FocalPoint Coaching and Training Excellence, Copyright 2018, by Brian Tracy and Campbell Fraser. Reprinted with permission.
