Here’s an interesting diagram:
If you’re pushed for time, then you’ll have to choose from that top circle.
If you’re pushed for time and still want a quality job then it’s either Tell them exactly what to do, or take a risk and Delegate.
If you’re pushed for time and still want to achieve some motivation then it has to be Delegate or Empower (the difference being that with Empowerment you don’t check, you trust them, so the quality’s not guaranteed).
If you want a quality job, and for them to be motivated, and you’re prepared to use a bit of time (= a good manager!) then it’s Delegate Share or Consult (the difference between the last two is that with Consult the boss still makes the decision, after consulting, but with Share it’s a joint decision).
Only Delegation gets you everything.
And doing it yourself is the worst – you get a decent job (maybe!) but it’ll take lots of your time, and won’t impress you’re team much….
