Delegate for Success
Thursday, February 25th 2010 @ 2:23 PM
Delegate for Success with Ann Gambrell
Tired of doing everything at home and work? Then, this information is key to you in learning…delegating for success…at work and home.
If one of your goals is to accomplish more or to make better use of your time or to make time for other projects including leisure activities…you need to learn to delegate. Delegating is enlisting the time and expertise of others to serve your purpose…. whether in the workplace to increase productivity and diversity or in the home setting where family members learn responsibilities, teamwork and family values. Delegation can be a powerful tool.
Then why don’t we delegate more? Perfectionism is one reason, time constraints are another, and lack of knowledge is a few reasons. Delegation can be learned and takes time and patience, but the payoff is well worth it. Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Whenever possible…give the assignment to the right person. That is the one most qualified or eager to learn or advance. If appropriate offer a choice of jobs or projects in which case the delegatee will choose either the most familiar work or the least objectionable. Having a choice makes it easier to delegate and the delegatee feels a part of the planning of the project. In either case the project will most likely be accomplished.
- Provide the necessary tools and training for the assignment and make sure they understand their responsibilities and consequences. You cannot afford to have them drop the ball as the final accountability lies with the you, the delegator. When appropriate provide a delegation list or job description…discussed and signed by both parties, if appropriate. Then everyone; manager and worker knows that is to be done and in what time frame.
- Perfectionism can be dangerous in the delegation process. “Your way” may be a good way but not the only way to do something. Most projects are in need of completion rather than perfectionism. Yes, having it done properly is important, but possibly not your way. Frequently, delegates will come up with a new and/or innovative way to reach the same result. Allow this to happen if it will not compromise the project. It will encourage the delegatee and help to show the delegator that there are other methods to completion. It becomes easier to delegate when perfectionism doesn’t hinder the process. Think progress rather than perfectionism.
- Follow-up is crucial to the success of the project to encourage learning, support and accountability. Regular and/or scheduled observations or meetings will ensure a timely and acceptable completion. In the home and in the workplace this means pride and possibly reward. Self- satisfaction is the ultimate reward, but material remuneration is also acceptable.
- Of course the positive end result is that the project is complete and the delegator and delegatee are satisfied. Verbal kudos are great, as are recognition in a company newsletter, printed certificate, privileges, and of course financial remuneration will not be dismissed when appropriate. Recognition is essential to ensure a willing working relationship in the future.
- Delegation is hot and individualism is not. Being an overworked martyr is stressful and non-productive. So be an “In” manager and delegate for success.
Editor's Note: Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!
Quick Cookin’ Tips
Thursday, February 11th 2010 @ 11:32 PM
Quick Tips for Organizing with Ann Gambrell
Had a busy day at work or running errands, shuttling kids to and from sports activities? Everybody’s hungry and the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. You could order a pizza or send out for burgers or tacos or pop another boring frozen meal in the oven.
Or…..you could put together some quick, easy and nutritious meals and eliminate the guilt over your family’s fast food rut!
Here are a few ideas to get you going on the path to quick & easy mealtimes.
- Take a couple hours on the weekend to cook a big pot of vegetable soup. It’s easy to make and very nutritious. Have it as a main course one evening with some canned biscuits or packaged cornbread. Another night that week team a cup of that soup up with hot dogs or grilled cheese sandwiches. Not into making soup? No problem. There are many tasty canned soups on the grocery shelf. See which ones your family likes and stock up. Also consider packaged noodle soups adding some frozen or canned corn, peas or other veggies to add interest & nutrition. Toss in a salad bar for variety along with French rolls or frozen bread sticks. Bagged salad greens are a boon for good & easy salad fare.
- Everyone likes pasta! If you have a package of pasta and a jar of sauce in the pantry…you’ve got dinner anytime! Frozen ravioli or tortellini are yummy too and come in cheese or meat selections. Keep a variety of pastas & sauces in the pantry. Once again…add a salad and you’ve got dinner. You could also add a nice bagguet of French bread. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese.
- How about pizza? Buy frozen pizza to pop in the oven for a quick & easy meal. Or you can buy readymade crusts and let the kids add the sauce and meats, veggies and cheeses. Smaller individual crusts are fun too and each child can “decorate” their own. Add a salad of canned green beans tossed with Italian dressing. Most kids don’t get many vegetables during the day.
- Cook up a pot of chili in the slow cooker before leaving for the day. Then come home to easily prepare a meal of chilidogs or taco salad or burritos (add canned refried beans). Or have a “make your own taco” night using readymade shells or soft tacos in tortillas warmed in the microwave. Add a boxed Spanish rice mix and ole’…dinner. You could use canned chili too. It is sold with or without beans, vegetarian or with beef or chicken. Take your choice. Without beans is great for chilidogs.
- Burgers and fries? No problem. Buy pre-made hamburgers or turkey burgers (fresh or frozen) and a bag of frozen French fries. Toss them both in the oven while you get the condiments ready and set the table. Cheese slices, tomatoes and lettuce complete the burgers. Eat your heart out Burger King.
See, it CAN be done…..easy & nutritious. Kids can help with all of these meals. Older kids can help cook. Two of my granddaughters each have a night to cook a meal. They choose the menu and go for it. My younger granddaughters can help with the salad, grate cheese, set the table and retrieve condiments from the cupboard and refrigerator.
All can help to clean up! Bon appetit.
Editor's Note: Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!
Resolutions Vs Goals
Wednesday, February 3rd 2010 @ 11:07 AM
Quick Tips for Organizing with Ann Gambrell
Yes, it is not January yet, so why am I writing about resolutions & goals? Because this is the time to start thinking about what you want to happen in your life. You will be with family and friends and conversations will probably include the new year and things to come.
Goals and resolutions are not one in the same. Resolutions are hopes, dreams & fantasies. Goals are everything resolutions are…except goals include a plan!
One of your goals may be to make some changes in your life, family, career, household, etc. If you have never set goals before or have not been successful in the past…here are some helpful tips:
1. Goal categories: Personal…Professional….Family/Relationships….Home/Environment.
2. Write each category on a separate page in a journal or on a yellow pad and make a file. Now list your goals under each category. Family members may want also want to make their own lists. Great!
3. Speak them so they become real and not just something you have been thinking about. Speak them to a trusted friend or to yourself….aloud!
4. Now work them by setting a plan as to what it takes to accomplish the goal. Set deadlines for the steps to the completion.
5. Mark the deadlines in your personal calendar or electronic organizer or in your computer to help you to stay on target.
6. Stay focused by keeping your goals where you will see them regularly as a reminder. Talk about them to a trusted friend/encourager. Picture the goal at completion.
7. Re-evaluate your goals periodically to adjust the timeline, change the goal or drop it for another goal. Life changes. It’s okay to alter your goals…after all they are your goal. Just don’t use this as a form of procrastination!
8. Celebrate the completed steps to your goal and of course when the goal comes to fruition. Throw a party…invite me. I would love to share in this experience of accomplishment! You can do this. All it takes is a plan.
Go for it. You can do it and deserve it