Delegation

Why is delegation an important topic to learn about? Because effective delegation: increases job performance, relieves job burnout, decreases workloads, builds teamwork, alleviates stress, allows you to get more done, etc.

I just finished a great little book called If You Want It Done Right, You Don't Have to Do It Yourself! by Donna M. Genett, Ph.D. Here's a summary of what I've learned.

1. Effective delegation requires advanced preparation. BEFORE you meet with someone to delegate responsibilities you must think through 1) what you want done, 2) how you want it done, 3) when you want it done, 4) as well as what authority you're willing to give to the person doing the assignment

2. Then you must clearly define and describe each task you delegate to your staff. You need to be specific and ask for the instructions to be repeated back to ensure he/she fully understands what is expected.

3. Then you need to clearly define the time frame within which the task must be completed. Your staff can't turn something in "late" if YOU never gave them a deadline.

4. Next, you must define the level of authority your staff has to complete the task. Do they have the authority to only recommend what should be done (i.e. research options and propose the best alternative)? Do they have the authority to inform and initiate (i.e. research and select the best course of action; inform me why it is best; and then initiate the selection)? Or do they have the authority to act (i.e. full authority to act with respect to the task or project)? Your staff can't step outside the bounds of their authority if you haven't explained the boundaries to them.

5. When a task or project becomes larger and more complex, it's important to build in checkpoints. They help you make sure things are going in the right direction. The checkpoints should be close together in the beginning of the project. Later, after the person demonstrates competence and shows he or she is headed down the right track, the checkpoints can be spaced further apart. That way, you don't let a lot of time go by during which the project is invisible to you. If things get off track, you can catch them before they get serious.

6. Conclude the delegation process with a debriefing session to discuss: 1) what went well, 2) what could have been improved, and 3) what has been learned. Both the delegator and the delgatee should share their answers to these questions.

Note: these points can be applied upward, when receiving a project, as well as downward, when delegating one. If you aren't given clear instructions on a project your boss delegates to you - go ahead and ask for 1) the desired results for the project, 2) the time frame for completion, 3) your level of authority, and 4) when you'll meet along the way to make sure you're on track.

My First Growth Group

History was made last night. I led my first New Day Growth Group. When we started the church, I said that someday I wanted to have growth groups. However, being the great man of faith I am (sarcasm), I never imagined we'd be up and running so soon.

Our mission is to lead people to become mature followers of Jesus. We define M.A.T.U.R.E. as someone who is "M" making spiritual progress, "A" attending church, "T" tithing, "U" utilizing their gifts in the context of New Day Church, "R" reaching out by inviting people to church, "E" every week. And our groups help people become mature. You make spiritual progress as you study the Bible with others each week. By building relationships with people in your group you're encouraged to attend New Day more faithfully. When you are a part of a group you are encouraged to know that others are giving of their financialy resources toward the work of God - not just you. Each group has to serve together so that covers the "U" in "M.A.T.U.R.E." And each group must reach out and do a servant evangelism project together once a semester so that covers "R".

People really seemed to like being at group. At a Growth Group you get to meet new people, eat delicious food, have fun, hear other peoples story, and grow spiritually. Groups are great! I really enjoyed meeting last night. It's kind of funny that we call them groups, because we really could call them "parties". When you have 15 people over your house - it's a party!

We had 69 people sign up to participate in a growth group. Last month our average adult attendance was 76 so that's about 90% of our average adult attendance signed up for groups. A lot of growth group books say you're doing good if you have like 30% so this is just wonderful.

Bethany & Gerson have been a HUGE catalyst for groups getting started at New Day. I remember when I first met them how they said "we're looking for a church with small groups." They have been the ones working with me for about 6 months planning out this first semester of groups. And they've done a great job!

I absolutely love the fact that New Day now offers church on Sunday and then groups on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Five out of the the seven days of the week, there's a New Day service or group. I love it! That makes me feel so good. Sunday may be over, my group may have already met - but there's two more meeting tonight, and then another meeting on Thursday. This is just fantastic. I look forward to the day when New Day offers something every single day of the week!

Well, that was all over the place I know. But I just wanted to record something about the first week of New Day Growth Groups. This is history in the making for our church and I'm very excited about it!