Delegation can be a tough skill to master. You might think that for a task to be done well, you need to do it yourself. You may doubt your team will meet your high standards or that you’ll lose some control over the outcome. Here’s the thing, though: Delegation is critical for team growth and overall success. It isn’t just about sharing the load but building a more dynamic and effective sales team.
Matt Sunshine, the CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy, says delegation serves as a pivotal strategy to enhance sales reps’ skills and strengthen leadership within an organization. For sales managers in particular, mastering delegation can lead to a more adaptable and successful group.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Sunshine’s thoughts on why delegation is so important in sales teams and how to succeed in your delegation efforts.
Delegation leads to development. By delegating, you’re cultivating a skilled and versatile sales team. Sunshine says it goes beyond merely assigning tasks but rather recognizing and nurturing the potential within each team member.
You lay the groundwork for future leadership roles. When you involve your sales reps in key processes and challenge them with new responsibilities, you’re essentially preparing them for more significant roles within your promo company. This benefits the individuals, Sunshine says, and ensures your company has a pipeline of capable leaders.
How To Delegate Well
Match tasks to skills. According to Sunshine, effective delegation begins with aligning tasks to team members’ unique strengths and capabilities. Think about where each sales rep shines and assign their responsibilities accordingly.
Define boundaries and desired outcomes. When delegating, make sure you clearly explain the scope of the task, the expected results and any deadlines. Sunshine says it’s also important to establish what resources are available and what decision-making authority the team member has.
Check in regularly. According to Sunshine, regular check-ins are vital to monitor progress and adjust course. This isn’t micromanagement but rather a platform for feedback so delegation doesn’t fail due to neglect.
Use feedback loops. Implementing feedback loops involves collecting and analyzing feedback, acknowledging it and acting on the insights, Sunshine says. Regular feedback, both positive and constructive, ensures that employees understand their performance and areas of improvement.
If you hesitate to delegate, try to give your team members more opportunities to take on new responsibilities and showcase their skills. This shows that you trust them to get the job done and sets your entire team up for long-term success.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Matt Sunshine is the CEO at The Center for Sales Strategy, a sales performance company that helps sales organizations attract, retain and develop the highest-performing salespeople.
