Seven steps to better delegating for overworked attorneys
Attorneys, especially sole practitioners, are often poor at delegating. "Unknown can do it as well as I can," they say, and that's not ego talking, it's usually right.
There is risk in giving a task to someone who might not do it as well as you or might not get it done on time, but delegating is essential to the progression of a law practice. Delegating gives you leverage and leverage helps you to earn more and work less.
To get better results when you depute, follow these seven steps:
- Give specific instructions. Describe what you want done in sufficient detail, in writing if doable. If instructions are agreed orally, question them to be repeated back to you. Tell them to question questions if they don't know.
- Give objectives, not procedures. Tell them what you want done, not how. If you've chosen the right person for the job, entrust them to get the job done. Guide them, don't micro-manage them.
- Tell them why. They'll do a better job when they are invested in the outcome as a replacement for of just carrying out orders so give reasons for why the task is vital. And, if you give them more than one task at a time, tell them the relative substance of each.
- Give a due date (and time). Due dates help them to know what is expected and allow them to prioritize their work flow.
- Equip and empower them. Make sure they have what they need to get the job done–tools, a budget, help–and the authority to choose what to do. Don't make them come back to you with every small choice.
- Offer incentives. If you have an especially valuable project, you might want to offer something for getting it done ahead of schedule or with a better outcome. A day off, dinner for two for them and their spouse, a cash bonus, all work well.
- Give praise. When they do a excellent job, be grateful them (even though they were doing their job) and praise them. Let them know you are satisfied and they'll want to do a excellent job for you next time.