Delegation

Hoping you and your family experienced a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! For the first time in years, I offered to cook the turkey. My older sister is a much better cook than me and since I’m getting my first knee replacement December 14th, I knew I would be out of commission for Christmas on cooking detail.

That morning, feeling a bit overwhelmed, I asked my youngest, Emma Freda, who was home from college to help me in the kitchen. “Emma, I need you to cut some onions in quarters for me.” When I looked over, she had several slices happening. I reminded her of the quarters, she snapped at me, “I’ve worked in a restaurant, I know what I’m doing.”

For the record, Emma is normally very happy go-lucky with a positive attitude. She had a slight cold and was stressing about exams which she shared the night before. She didn’t know that deep down I was stressed out wondering if I could pull off this meal and my knees were tremendously sore that morning which I didn’t share with her until after the mini-explosion.

I then asked for a half of an onion to finish stuffing the turkey and hold everything inside and she handed me a quarter. I corrected her again and she said loudly, “You suck at communicating!” Internally, I chuckled because I teach communication and she wants to major in communication. Thus, I used the kitchen event as a learning moment for both of us.

I realized later that I did not delegate well. I was in a hurry and should have explained what I needed her to do and maybe even given her an example. There are five steps to effective delegation according to Upcoach:

1-Analyze your task

2-Select the delegate

3-Define the task

4-Provide support

5-Monitor and review

Well, 1 & 2 were completed, 3 kind of and 4 not so much, 5 – waited too late….My onion AHA moment, I should have slowed down, been specific and followed the five steps. In the end, Emma and I talked it out and hugged each other. Conflict can be tough, especially during the holidays. Communicate, Delegate and Decide to strengthen relationships. You Got This!

Blessings,

Merikay