I love this post by Brian Tracy, "Six Steps to Effective Delegation." Obviously it is some great advice for a head coach in working his staff. But I also saw it as a way to systematically work with your team -- especially in the off-season or for when they are working along on their game. I have added some comments in GOLD as to how I think you could adapt it:To delegate effectively in your work with others, there are six steps that you can take. If you neglect any one of these steps, you run the risk of miscommunication, misunderstanding, demoralization, and poor performance.
Step 1: Match the Person to the Job
One of the great time wasters in the world of work is delegating the task to the wrong person. Often the task is delegated to a person who is not capable of doing it properly or getting it done on schedule. Often players don't fully understand exactly the things they need to work on to improve. What specifically can they do as a player (and improve upon as a player0 that will make your team better.
Step 2: Agree on what is to be done
Once you have selected the right person for the job, take the time to discuss the job with the person and agree upon what must be done. The more time you talk to discuss and agree upon the end result or objective-the more effort you make to achieve absolute clarity-the faster the job will be done once the person starts on it. Meet with the player and be clear on what your expectations are in terms of the area needed to work on as well as the amount of improvement needed.
Step 3: Explain how the Job Should Be Done
Explain to the person your preferred approach or method of working. Explain how you would like to see the job done, and how you or someone else has done it successfully in the past. It is important that you are detailed with a player. Don't just say "you need to work on your shooting," -- be specific. "You need to work on shooting off the ball screen. I want you to tighten up the jab step and make a lower sweep with the ball upon transfer. Look to come of the screen with a hard dribble that gets you somewhere and finish your shot with your shoulders squared." It would be a excellent to have video for the player to see her areas that she needs for improvement as well as some clips showing a player properly executing the move.
Step 4: Have Your Employee Repeat Back Instructions
Ask the person to feed your instructions back to you in her own words. Have him or her explain to you what you have just explained and agreed upon. This is the only way that you can be sure that the other person actually understands the job or assignment he or she has been delegated to accomplish. Don't just tell a player what she needs to be doing. Create a dialogue to ensure she understands what, why and how.
Step 5: Set a Deadline
Set a deadline and schedule for completion of the task. At the same time, arrange for regular reporting and periodic inspection. Invite feedback and questions if there are any delays or problems. Talk to the player about the amount of time you think will be needed to work to get the desired amount of improvement.
Step 6: Manage by Exception
Managing by exception is a powerful time management tool that you use to work more efficiently with other people. If the job is on track and on schedule, managing by exception means that the person does not have to report back to you. If you don't hear from him, you can assume that everything is going well. The individual only has to report back to you when an exception occurs and there is a problem with getting the job done on time, to the agreed upon level of quality. I would alter this a little. If a player comes back on track or ahead of schedule in terms of improvement, I'd add something to continue to raise the bar and push forward.
Action Exercise
Sit down with your staff members and explain to them exactly why they are on the payroll and what their highest value tasks are. This is very important. Don't just talk to a player about what they need to work on but explain why and the amount of value it will bring, not only to improving their game but improving their team.
