I ran the 4×400 relay in high school. And I remember it like yesterday – as the most painful experience I ever had. Painful, not for the running, but for the timing in passing the baton. I was the third leg, so my transition to the final runner was the most crucial in our success, and if we didn’t get it just right, all four of us suffered. One moment in time to change the course of our race.
We describe leadership with words like courage and charisma, bravery and boldness. Delegation isn’t lofty, it’s passing a baton – a well planned and practiced event which happens in an instant and sets the course for the future. Have you developed the skills to understand who to delegate to, in a way that the person willingly takes on your assignment?
Good leaders understand the strengths of their team members. Passing the baton demonstrates trust, and raises engagement. In a time when succession planning is critical, delegation must be frequent and intentional.
How do you decide who to delegate to? Are you considering the next new hire as a potential for your next project? Are you comfortable providing ample freedom for the completion of tasks you delegate? Are you checking the task in a way that builds confidence and morale in your subordinates?
Join us in Orlando for the inaugural Managing Partner/Executive Director forum where we will discuss delegation, providing insight into how you can pass the baton in your firm. Practical and applicable solutions. We guarantee it.
About Judy Hissong
Judy Hissong is the President of Nesso Strategies. A former law firm Chief Operating Officer, she helps firms become more profitable by developing leaders. Her mission is “world domination for Good.” By creating actionable, lightbulb moments that leaders want to share and spread, she intends to improve the world one person at a time.
