Delegating Upward

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  nmsyguy11/05/07 Report as spam
  1

  A technique that has worked well for me

  Many of my past managers exhibited one specific behavior: They would often delegate work "on-the-fly", meaning it would be delegated or assigned orally and informally (maybe while passing me in a hallway or when we happen to meet at the coffee machine), rather than in a more formal or organized setting, such as in a periodic one-on-one status review meeting, a project meeting (with minutes) or via other written correspondence.
  
  The problem with this was that right AT THAT MOMENT (and JUST for that moment), the manager would be completely lose sight of my other obligations.
  
  An immediate way to bring those back to mind is to grab a piece of paper and say "Not a problem, but let me be sure I understand" and then quickly itemize all your current work efforts in priority order so the manager can actually SEE them listed. Then ask where this new work effort fits into the list.
  
  This VISUAL "mini-priority list" has multiple benefits:
  (1) It proves to be quite effective in helping your manager "remembering" what is already on your plate.
  (2) It helps filter trivial activities from value-added projects.
  (3) It helps you both come to an immediate agreement about the priority of the new work effort.
  (4) It allows you the benefit of getting your manager's immediate "buy-in" to re-prioritizing other commitments.
  (5) The listed items will be leveraging your specific skill set. Quite often, these on-the-fly thoughts can be done by a less senior staff member.

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  suzanneraarf11/09/07 Report as spam
  2

  Agreed!

  The method noted above "notes for on the fly assignments" has been very effective for me with co-workers, day-to-day managers and supervisors. This method not only helps others to prioritize the tasks they ask of me, but also, in a matrix-work environment where many people delegate tasks to me, helps to ensure that others are aware of the full scope of activities I have "on-deck" at that given moment.
  
  It's a great tool.

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  tichmugwara02/13/08 Report as spam
  3

  RE: Delegating Upward

  Best method in a complex situation.
  
  This method of delegating upwards is quite good and can save people from quiting their jobs. Many people have quit their jobs because of too heavy loads upon their shoulders which they felt they could not carry. In such a case one needs to delegate upwards. It is also a best method of managing tasks in a situation where there are no subordinates to delegate to. By delegating upwards management can see your confidence in them and in turn they will have more faith in you. As one delegates upwards it open up your boss to teach your more about the business.

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  funmibucknor02/13/08 Report as spam
  4

  RE: Delegating Upward

  this is wonderful!
  i am going to adopt this approach in dealing with my boss.