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Topic: how to get a non-delegator to delegate work?
| Author | Message |
| nellie bly | Posted – 10/16/2007 9:41:39 PM | show profile The board prez of a non-profit hired me to assist and take some of the workload off the VIP of their org, whose mission is close to my heart PR, research, networking, development, etc. It's a great little part-time gig. Problem is the VIP is a workaholic who just doesn't know how to delegate. He'll reply to my emails that everything is taken care of, etc. But it isnt, which results in last minute craziness. It's hard to do my job. Does anyone have any advice? How to train a non-delegator to delegate? BTW I can definitely rule out that the VIP feels threatened by me or in danger of being replaced by me. He IS this org. No question about that. He could also be described as a perfectionist. I should also add that we get along very well, so it's not a personality clash. Also that he respects my talents. Help! I love this org...but if this continues I may have to quit. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 10/17/2007 12:22:07 AM | show profile How about: have a cup of coffee with him, and tell him you love the place but you want to be really useful. Have a list. If he's mentally up for it, at least he says he is, ask to meet with him what, periodically? at the start of each new project? once a week? to get a list of objectives and ways you can help. Write the agreed on items down, and then keep him updated. I think sometimes workaholic non-delegators are perfectionistic control freaks. The feeling that you'll be reporting to him and accountable will give him some assurance and at least the illusion, if not reality, of control. I know a leader who meets with every department head. Every day. For a face-t-face accounting. He is a workaholic perfectionistic non-delegating control freak. He actually knows his stuff and although people laugh about his tendencies, most like working for him. By taking the negotiation into your hands in a proactive way, you may earn additional respect as a person who gets what needs to get done even if it means a little heart-to-heart. I definitely wouldn't criticize and point out his bungledy efforts to do it all, necessarily. Just be positive about how you want to be part of the work of getting business done? Just some food for thought. |
