Effective delegation reduces stress and enables practice management.

The problem is that most sole proprietors feel conflicted about delegating tasks they are used to implementing themselves because it feels like they are losing control.

The answer is not to avoid delegation but rather to identify a process that enables the establishment of a healthy form of control.

Four steps toward effective delegation:

• Revise job descriptions to establish clarity with regards to areas of responsibility
• Coach employees on new responsibilities to ensure that quality control is maintained throughout transitional period
• Assign metrics for new responsibilities to ensure that along with new tasks comes accountability
• Establish a process that enables proactive review and management of metrics

The key to successful delegation is to remember to stay the course. Resist the temptation to step in when things go awry. Coach your employees to independence instead.

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