The past few weeks have been a struggle to multi-task major
projects with deadlines. In my capacity, I am working to complete a feasibility
study and application for candidacy for the International Baccalaureate
Programme for my school. In addition, I worked on other projects that include
robotics, math competitions, gifted programs, IB awareness, design course for
PD, and other pop-up projects. At times it became very overwhelming for me to meet expectations.
At no point did any project had my full and undivided attention. I kind of felt bad
because certain projects where not attended to effectively. I felt like I could
have done a better job if I sufficient or more time. Unfortunately, I needed to work on other items given my deadlines. I
understand that delegating of task to others would and should help. However, when I delegate a task
and the task is not efficiently completed the way I would like, then this
becomes a major issue for me. I do not like to relinquish control when I am held solely responsible for the outcome. I have a difficult time
trusting others to get the job done the way I would like it to be done. This creates
a problem in how I delegate task. However, the past few weeks have demonstrated
to me that I needed to improve on how I delegate to others. Any suggestions on managing and delegating to
others? Any strategies on mapping task for completion?
Omar, I definitely understand the frustration. We at times have so much to juggle that it is hard to become great at something and put forth all of our energy. I am a control freak and want everything done a certain way, therefore, I often find myself beyond stressed because I can't give up control. I am blessed to have a clerk who is very similar to me and take charge. I trust her 100% and that has made my life so much better. Also, have you have looked at the Fierce Delegation Model? I would take a look at all its parts. You can delegate a lot, but with that said, there are different types of delegation that will allow the ones you delegate to, to check in with you along the way.
ReplyDeleteOmar, I completely understand the concerns and frustrations!!! I, too, have several projects on my load and I worry that I am doing due diligence with them. I make every attempt to be present and give 100% but at times it is difficult. I have the right intentions but inevitably I get pulled for some other reason. Not only do I feel bad about this but I worry about the perception among teachers and students. I have a great rapport with teachers/students in my building but I never want them to feel that they are not valued.
ReplyDeleteI am able to delegate in some areas but it has taken some time to get there. It has taken me a long time to build that trust and assurance that things would be handled correctly. But again, it took a long time. And still, even knowing this, I follow up to make sure things are taken care of as I would like them.
I think at some point we all are in the same position and I don’t have the answer. I feel a part of all our personalities is perfection. We want things done correctly, timely, and handled the way WE want them done. AND I feel we all have a lot on our plate so it is a juggling act. We always hear to “prioritize” things and I feel we try to do that. For me, it is trying to decide what my prioritized list looks like. I feel all my responsibilities are top priority.
Omar, I was told one time “all you can do is what you can do” and many times I have a hard time with this. I try to do the very best I can and I TRY not worry but we all know how that is. As long as I do the best I can, I have to be okay with that. If you figure it out, please share! I would love some help with this too.
Omar, you do have to figure out a way to gradually release duties and responsibilities. I have learned over the last year that I continuously end up doing a lot more work and not really building the capacity of my coworkers and the people that I supervise because I find it easier to just "get the work done right" It is a hard task, but remember, they will never learn if we continue to hold on to the reigns real tight.
ReplyDeleteI have found that setting deadlines for the tasks to be completed and checking in frequently helps shift the responsibility while keeping you in the loop.
ReplyDelete