Crewmojo is one of the start-ups being supported within the Macquarie University Incubator. Their performance management software saw them recognised as National Finalists in the 2017 Pitch@Palace competition, which connects entrepreneurs with supporters and potential investors.

Here, Crewmojo Co-Founder Mark Lewis talks delegation, and why he thinks it’s important to take your hands off the wheel sometimes.

Crewmojo founders Joel Duckworth (centre) and Mark Lewis (right), with HRH Prince Andrew at last year’s Pitch@Palace event in the Macquarie University Incubator. They write about their week with HRH on their blog.

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Certain people get nervous when others are driving them around. They slam their foot onto a phantom brake pedal if they think that you have got too close to the car in front. They flinch if you get too close to the curb and inhale sharply when you run an orange light. It might not be their car, but they cannot relinquish their control over the outcomes.

This comparison often comes to my mind when I think about delegation in the workplace.

You wouldn’t get into a car as a passenger and tell the driver which gear they should select

When assigning tasks to others, managers must leave their ego at the door and accept that not every task will be done “their way”. Everyone has their own success formula, and the moment that you dictate how something should be done, you are likely to cause frustration for the “driver”.

Unless they say they are unsure, it is best to assume they have a route in mind

It is fair enough to check that someone knows where they’re going and ask if they need directions on how to get there, but the moment they say they have it covered, it is time to allow them to choose their route. In the workplace, there are many ways of achieving a goal or task, but without input from the individual, they will not take ownership of the journey or final result.

You wouldn’t put pressure on them to get you there within a certain time by speeding

Unrealistic deadlines are often the root cause of failed delegation. You have to put yourself in the shoes of the person, understand what’s involved and agree a realistic time frame with them rather than imposing something unachievable.

You wouldn’t be impatient with them when they’re adjusting the mirrors and their seat before they set off

Some people simply need a little time to adjust before they begin a task. Setting off in the right way is often half the battle, and if someone is not yet ready to start there is little value in impatiently pushing them to get going.

Effective delegation is about relinquishing control to the extent that it is possible. If it becomes obvious that someone is not coping with a task, it is entirely right to ask if they require help, but until that point a manager should sit back and enjoy the ride.

This post was first published on the Crewmojo blog.

 

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Entries are currently open for Pitch@Palace Australia 2.0. Macquarie staff and students with early-stage businesses are encouraged to apply by 30 September. The University will be co-hosting the Sydney Pitch@Palace 2.0 event on November 19.