I asked a classroom of leaders what it took to keep up with the demands of leadership.

One leader said, “Multi-tasking.” She explained further, “It means that you can efficiently switch back and forth between various tasks without losing your intention or focus; toggling between tasks.”

This is a great definition of multi-tasking. Leaders often handle many different demands of the workplace, including from team members and customers. 

Self-reflection question: How am I doing at toggling between tasks? How can I improve my ability to do this?

1.      Before leaving a task, decide to leave it and notice where you left off. Don’t let it be a reaction, but a decision.

2.      Keep what you are working on easily accessible; either on your desk or open on your computer.

3.      During the brief time you are doing each task, give it your full attention. Whether it is listening to a team member or completing a report, let it be the only thing on your mind.

If your team needs to develop stronger leadership skills, visit http://www.2waycommunications.net/license-agreements/ to discover 20+ leadership development courses you can deliver internally. Licensing agreements are also available.

Just Promoted?  You Need Delegation Skills

Just promoted to a leadership position? Are you working to gain credibility? Are you surprised at how hectic and demanding the role of a leader is? Were you promoted for your technical expertise and now that expertise is less important than your ability to get the work done through others. Do you feel inadequately prepared for your new role as leader? If yes, read the new app, 2-Way Delegation. It will give you hands-on tips to succeed in your new role.

The following story demonstrates how delegation affects your leadership success. It was told by a leader who read the 2-Way Delegation app.

“Probably one of the most impactful things I learned from the app is to describe the meaning of the work to the employee (sometimes, it is easy for me to think the meaning is obvious, even though it might not be).

I did a “test run” of sorts practicing delegation skills. After applying the tips in the Analyze phase, I had my initial meeting with the employee I chose to do the work. At the end of the meeting, he said, ‘I am HONORED you chose me to do this.’ HONORED?! I couldn’t believe it! My workload was lightened and he was HONORED to do the work…and it was all because I went about explaining the work in a completely different manner than I normally would have (if I would have even delegated it at all), using the techniques in the app. It really motivated me to continue using this process to motivate and develop employees, while lightening my day-to-day work so I can focus on work more apt to my skill set.”

Look for 2-Way Delegation in the App Store or Google Play. It is 46 pages of robust content, exercises, and community interaction that teaches the art and skill of 2-way delegation.

Make a list of tasks that you need to accomplish for the week. The list needs to be prioritized; but first, analyze it for delegation possibilities. For each task, ask the following “yes” or “no” questions.

If the answer is “yes”, consider delegating.

• Is it repetitive and if you trained someone, you would have time for work that better aligns with your organizational role?
• Could it contribute to the growth and development of a team member?
• Would it would fun and interesting for a team member?

If the answer is “no”, consider delegating.

• Does it make the best use of your time/abilities?
• Can you complete the work by the deadline without working loads of overtime?
• Does it require your level of expertise?

Go forth and delegate; grow yourself by doing the right work and grow others by giving them a chance to learn new skills. You can learn more about delegation by reading the NEW mobile app that is coming to the marketplace in late February – Delegation: Giving and Receiving Work. It will be in the App Store and Google Play.