Wine Tasting And Delegation, All In A Day’s Work
Take a long stroll through the vineyards, admire the grapevines, the leaves and clusters of grapes. Depending on where you are, Italy, Spain, Napa or even Temecula, the scene is beautiful. With your glass in hand, you’re ready to sample the profound elegance of wine.
I’m starting to believe that delegation is a lot like wine tasting. Here’s why:
- There are many different styles.
- Everyone has their own preference.
- It’s best when shared with others.
If you’re like me and are trying to “aerate” your work day to be more effective, here is how you can “taste” wine and while you’re at it, figure out some great delegation techniques:
Look at the wine=Look at your work
With wine, you review the color, clarity, and the amount of sediment. You can do the same with your work–review what you do day in and day out. Make a list of your daily tasks, including the little things that often settle at the bottom of the glass. Color it with markers or highlighters, each color being a different priority.
Swirl and sniff the wine=Swirl and sniff your work
Swirling the wine in the glass brings in oxygen, which allows the aromas to open up. Swirling your work into priority levels will allow you to find time to do much more than you thought you could during your day…including taking a deep breath and bringing more oxygen into your lungs. What are the three most important tasks you must complete on a daily basis? The three lowest priority tasks? Write all your tasks down on pieces of paper, throw them in a bowl and swirl them around with your hand. Pick out each one and place in priority columns to help you open up your eyes to everything that you do and what is important to do each day.
Sniff the wine=Sniff your work
Sniffing your work helps you to identify each “aroma” or process that it takes to complete each task. Once you are aware of what is involved with each task, you can sniff around your office to find the best coworker for the job. Who do you trust to help you with these tasks? Find someone you know you can work well with and who is willing to put in the extra time for training. Like a fine red wine with a steak, make sure you and your coworker pair well.
Take a sip but don’t swallow=Start delegating but don’t let go just yet
You’ve listed your priorities, sniffed out the best person for the job and trained them well–so why not give it a swig? Take a test drive of the process and see how you like it. Roll it around and see what flavors and textures stand out. Is this going to work? If not, spit it on out in a spittoon.
Note the aftertaste=Note your work
After all is said and done, how did the delegation work for you? Make notes on the process–what does and what doesn’t work, so you know for next time. If it doesn’t work, how can you fix the process? If it does work, then cheers to you, my friend. Delegation sure does taste sweet!
Life is too short to drink bad wine…and to not delegate effectively. Cheers!
[custom_author=jenny]