Indian Giver
- Motto: Nothing is ever done to my satisfaction.
- Style: Indian Givers provide overall goals and ask subordinates to determine the best way to complete their tasks. While they don’t give specific directions, Indian Givers always have a particular method in mind. When their subordinates don’t complete tasks the “right” way, Indian Givers take over.
- Result: Subordinates will initially try to determine what their boss wants. Over time, they will invest less and less effort, realizing that their superior will end up doing the work anyway.
Game Player
- Motto: There’s only one way to do it, and eventually you’ll figure it out.
- Style: At first glance, Game Players are similar to Indian Givers. Both describe desired results and ask subordinates to define process. And both have a specific process in mind (which they don’t share). Game players, however, are determined to have their people “figure it out”. So subordinates play “20 Questions” trying to guess what their boss actually wants.
- Result: Subordinates get frustrated and worn out by constant trial and error. Negative feedback becomes demoralizing.
Abdicator
- Motto: My people know best, and don’t really need me.
- Style: Abdicators delegate everything and expect their people to operate without direction, guidance or goals.
- Result: Many subordinates will feel lost and adrift. Other subordinates may use the opportunity to mount a coup and take over.
Procrastinator
- Motto: I can do it all, if I just ever get to it.
- Style: Some procrastinators don’t delegate at all. Instead, they try to do everything and leave their subordinates to pick up the pieces when projects are half-baked. Other procrastinators delegate at the last minute when it’s too late to do a good job.
- Result: Most subordinates will quickly learn to avoid a Procrastinator and give them enough rope to hang themselves. Some subordinates will try to rescue a Procrastinator through extra effort.
Workaholic
- Motto: I don’t have time to explain it to you, so I’ll do it myself.
- Style: Constantly busy, the Workaholic executive never steps back to consider what other people should be doing.
- Results: Competent subordinates are undervalued and underutilized. (And eventually they’ll move on.)
Micromanager
- Motto: I know how to do everyone’s job the best way.
- Style: The Micromanager provides detailed, step-by-step guidance for tasks. They expect subordinates to check-in frequently, and may physically watch over them.
- Results: Some unskilled or untested individuals need this delegation style. Everyone else will recoil and rebel.
Perhaps you recognize yourself. Or recognize someone else in your organization. Hopefully, some of your managers use the Allocator or Mentor style to delegate effectively.
Allocator
- Motto: I make the best use of the resources available to me.
- Style: An Allocator designs jobs and roles based upon the work to be done and the human resources available. They provide goals and monitor progress.
- Results: Subordinates are utilized effectively and the organization performs to its potential.
Mentor
- Motto: My most important responsibility is developing my people.
- Style: Mentors continually plan for tomorrow and seek opportunities to grow their people. They delegate, not just because the work needs to be done, but also because their people need to be engaged and stretched.
- Results: Subordinates are continually learning and preparing for the challenges of the future. The high performing, adaptive organization attracts and builds talent.
Most managers learn to delegate by emulating the style of their boss. What kind of delegator do you want to be? I challenge you to be an effective role model for everyone around you.
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