- to discuss key issues on delegation
- to highlight it's not about 'dumping' tasks
- to show the need for clarity when delegating
- to reinforce the need to check understanding
- to boost staff's willingness to delegate effectively
- to explode common myths about delegation
Ideally suited to:
Line managers or Trainers. Ideal as a stand-alone session as a reminder of key delegation lessons. Or use as a quick starter on any management training session.
The activity is in two parts. Part 1 involves dividing the group into teams (up to four) with 4-6 participants per team. Each team has a set of 8 illustrated cards, placed face-down on the table and someone takes the first card and reads it aloud.
The team then discuss the issue and whether they agree with the statement on the card. This general statement about delegation is followed by a comment from a ‘manager’. Do the team agree with the comment?
Key issues include the idea that ‘it is quicker to do it yourself’, the fear managers may have of losing their value, the importance of deciding who should be delegated to and the need to use delegation as a staff development tool.
Part 2 is a practical activity. Participants again work in teams, but you may want to re-formulate them. The teams represent Robin, a manager who has four tasks to be done but doesn't have time for them all. Robin has three staff who could be delegated to – which tasks should be delegated, which should they keep for themself and, if delegating, which task should be given to which member of staff?
This second part reinforces some of the lessons of the first part and gives practice at actual delegation so that teams experience for themselves some key issues.
Instructions on how to set up and run this teamwork game are included in each card deck. So easy to run!
- Divide participants into teams. You can have up to four teams at a time with 4-6 per team.
- Issue 8 illustrated cards to each team for them to discuss in turn. They deal with key aspects (and some myths) about delegation.
- Teams note their responses to the cards (20-30 minutes).
- Debrief the session using the Key Issues card.
- Explain how Part 2 works. Teams represent manager Robin and make some key decisions about what to delegate and to whom. Or they may decide not to delegate at all (20 minutes).
- There are three staff profiles and a list of four key tasks.
- Lead a debrief on how the teams worked and what their decisions were.
- Debrief the session using the Suggested Best Fit card.
This card deck includes a total of 58 cards (for use with up to 24 delegates) as follows:
- Overview (x1 card)
- Pack Contents (x1 card)
- Part 1 Facilitator Notes (x1 card)
- Part 1 Set of Illustrated Cards x4 (x32 cards)
- Part 1 Key Issues (x1 card)
- Part 2 Facilitator Notes (x1 card)
- Part 2 Team Briefs (x4 cards)
- Part 2 Three Staff Profiles x4 (x12 cards)
- Part 2 Suggested Best Fit (x4 cards)
- Part 2 Key Issues (x1 card)
Run as much as you like with up to four teams! This Northgate card deck comes with a repeat use licence to run with up to 24 participants at a time. No reproduction of cards permitted. Volume pricing options available.
To use with more than 24 or for multiple site licences please contact us for a quote.
