Lord has said, “And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble

and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being

temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care” (D&C

12:8).

Which team would you rather play on? Why?

TEAM #1: The captain has assigned the players, and each is playing her position. Each is playing well and following the captain’s instructions. They score, and they and the crowd are cheering and happy.

TEAM #2: This captain fails to assign positions or to give specific instructions. The team members are confused as play begins, and they run in all directions. The captain is trying to play all the positions. She scores three times, but no one else has a chance to score.

DELEGATIONWhen we are in group situations where we feel useful and are able to make choices and contribute, we grow and feel happy. A team captain (committee chairman/any leader) who helps us have these feelings is making wise use of an important leadership principle.

When we delegate, we share our work or responsibility with other people and give them authority to act for us.

Spencer W. Kimball said, “There are far more things to be said about

the Lord Jesus Christ’s remarkable leadership than any single article

or book could possibly cover. … All the ennobling, perfect, and beautiful qualities of maturity,

of strength, and of courage are found

in this one person” (Ensign, Aug. 1979, pp. 5, 7).

Our Heavenly Father and the Savior consistently use the principle of delegation. This principle

helps us grow, allows us to use our agency and talents, and requires us to take responsibility for

our actions.1. What is our Heavenly Father’s work? Moses 1:39

2. With whom does he share this work? John 6:38

3. To whom did the Savior delegate authority? Ephesians 4:11–12

4. When someone delegates responsibility to us, what do we need to do? D&C 107:99–100

5. After the Apostles returned from their assignments, what did they do? What must we do? Mark 6:30

Lift, Lead and

LoveSPENCER W. KIMBALL

5 Steps of Delegation

Step 1: Clearly define the assignment.

Step 2: Describe the importance of the assignment and express confidence.

Step 3: Establish who will do what and when it will be finished.

Step 4: Decide when you will follow up on the assignment.

Step 5: Express encouragement and thanks.

“Perfection is worth striving for even if it is ultimately unattainable in this life. For it is through our struggle to

become like the Savior and his Father that we ourselves become perfected. If we follow the pattern that Christ set

for us, we will be responding to the scriptural mandate to” ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’” as

counseled in Moroni 10:32.

JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN, "GUIDED BY HIS EXEMPLARY LIFE," ENSIGN, SEPT. 1995, 32 - DECEMBER 12, 2006

Why might Delegation fail?

On the other hand, many leaders do not delegate because:

1. They can’t always rely on people to do the job the way they want it done

2. It takes more time to show people how to do it than it does to do it themselves

3. It is frustrating to delegate something and then not have it done the “right” way at the right time

4. Sometimes delegated tasks involve more problems and time, as people keep asking questions and complaining about the assignment.

“Why, How, and How Not to Delegate: Some Suggestions for Home and Church” by WILLIAM G. DYER

Step #1Example

Step 1: Clearly define the assignment.

Class President: “We have been concerned about the Laurels who are becoming inactive. We want to help them feel welcome and comfortable and have a desire to come to YW. We would like you to be in charge of a class activity to help our class get acquainted with these girls. It has been scheduled for three weeks from now on the 28th.”

Step #2 ExampleStep 2: Describe the importance of the assignment and express confidence.

Class President: If the Laurels don’t feel welcome and wanted, they may look for friends in other places. Ann, you have a special way of relating to people and getting things done. We know you can help us with an activity to make these girls feel wanted and comfortable.

Ann: [Responds favorably]

Step #3 ExampleStep 3: Establish who will do what and when it will be finished.

Class President: The activity is only three weeks away. What do you think needs to be done, Ann? (Ann responds to the question)

Class President: Which of those do you think needs to be done first? (Response to the question)

Class President: How soon do you think you could do that?(Response...)

Class President: When should we have the other things done? (Response...)

Class President: Who can you ask to help you?(Response to the question)

Class President: What will you have each person do?

Class President: Let’s both write that down so we won’t forget.

Step #4 Example

Step 4: Decide when you will follow up on the assignment.

Class President: I’ll check with you a week from today, and if anything changes or you need something before then, please let me know.

Step #5 ExampleStep 5: Express encouragement and thanks.

Class President: Ann, I’m so pleased with your plans for the activity. I’ve heard several Laurels talking, and they are really excited to come to YW. I’m grateful for your work. When I ask you for help, I know I can depend on you.

Some InsightA great leader is one who supports and encourages, but never takes over! Step 3 is very important because you are letting the individual suggest exactly what she will do by when. This is the person’s commitment to accept the responsibility. The leader needs to follow up carefully by continuing to ask what the person is doing and when the job will be done.

Delegation can sometimes be misused if a person is simply trying to get out of doing her own work. It could also be misused if an assignment were delegated and the leader did not have the patience or trust to see it through and decided to do it herself.

BYC

BYC is tonight, so now what?????

Ideas

Implementing the 5 step process of Delegation!