Training Builds Bench Strength for Manager Delegation Effectiveness

One way to look at how successful project delegation ties into the “bench strength of your business unit/team is to compare it to a successful sports team. When you get into the game, your ability to compete rests to a great extent on the quality of players, their skill and preparation for the competition. In sports, as in business, you need extensive training and practice to compete successfully. Think about this reality… how much actual training combined with practice goes on in business today?

Training is one of the first expenses to be cut and “practice”, give me a break. Doesn’t happen. If you manage a work group or team in today’s business setting, the old maxim that “luck is where preparation meets opportunity” really comes applies. I can’t tell you how many times I have observed and experienced a lack of depth or bench strength just at the time an important opportunity comes along. Top flight managers spend extensive time developing their people. They make a constant assessment of the business skills and techniques that will be needed. Next, they work with the team and other resources to develop training plans for the future. They find ways to practice and role play situations. They go through trial runs on technical skills. In the end, this builds bench strength.

The “Bench Strength” means that the team is more prepared for the next related assignment. It means that changes and road blocks during the execution phase of an important assignment can be handled because they have more people properly trained to deal with the actions needed. It means that someone else can fill in when a team member is out or unavailable. It makes a manager’s delegation of assignments much more effective because they have both confidence in what their team can do and choices!

No manager or executive has an absolute crystal ball to the future. You can’t always anticipate the specific skills and knowledge that may be needed the future. None the less you should try. Making a “skill, knowledge and experience” assessment for each individual on your team is a core competency. Determine what your business or team will most likely need in skills and abilities. See where each individual compares to the training needed and then build continuing, regular and specific training plans to close the gap.

The payoff for building Bench Strength is clear. Whenever a new project or assignment comes along, the Manager will very likely be able to execute the project better because his or her team is much better trained and ready for broader and deeper project actions. Make a commitment to train now for delegation bench strength later.

About

Management by Delegation & Michael Moore

A private company providing Web-based executive coaching and programs for career development for managers at all levels. You will receive free tools and information of significant value for today’s management world. To learn more, visit http://www.plan-delegate-manage.com.

Plan – Manage – Delegate is an organization that strives to bring real world experience, proven skills training and valuable delegation tools to managers around the world. As a veteran executive in the Insurance & Banking Industries, Mike brings over 40 years of proven experience in building teams and developing successful managers. Contact: Mike Moore, 513 520-7199, or e-mail at [email protected].