This book focuses on delegation from a woman's perspective in the work environment. As women we tend to do too much, work too hard, work too long, and try to do everything ourselves, then we wonder why we are always so tried and stressed. Women seem to have the need to make sure everything is done correct and feel that we are the only one that can get it done the right way. We too often feel the need to be busy and to be perfect. The problem is that perfect is a state of mind not a state of being. Things will never be perfect. The best we can do is get things in an acceptable comfort level for ourselves and then "let it go". Where does that "need to be perfect" stem from? It probably comes from working in male dominated environments where we feel that we have to work even harder just to keep up and to show them that we are capable and should be there. Please understand that the principles and strategies of delegation are standard and are not gender specific. Although this book is written specifically for women, the principles and strategies presented work in male dominated settings as well. There is no difference; men use the same principles. An important principle that as women we should realize (which men already know), is that we need to master the art of delegation and try not to do everything ourselves. We must learn to delegate responsibilities to empower others. The more you empower others, the more powerful and successful you become. Bottom line, "we must learn to delegate effectively". We need to master delegation to set ourselves up for success by directing, training, and encouraging others. By not delegating, women can end up delaying decisions, which can cause problems for others. Rather than attempting to do everything ourselves, we must assess who on our staff is capable of doing which jobs, has the knowledge, skills, talents, maturity, commitment, and experience to carry out various task. As a leader, our job is to nurture and develop the staff in their attributes to empower them to successfully take on tasks. Each chapter in this book presents elements to help you master the art of delegation. Keep in mind that this book is designed to empower you with knowledge and not to change you from your leadership style. Throughout the book quotes are used for inspiration, motivation, and encouragement toward your success. The quotes are also there to make you think about how you can provide "valued added" quality to your work, and how to work smarter rather than harder. An added bonus of delegation is that delegating can be used in all areas of your life. You can also delegate at home and in personal and social circles that you may be involved. Therefore, the art of delegation is not just limited to the work environment. You can practice the art in every part of your life. Delegation will take time, work and will require us to overcome personal barriers to delegating; but it will be well worth it. By delegating effectively, you will get your staff and others engaged in important and challenging work allowing them to develop their skills and to prepare them for their next level of responsibility. Most of all, delegating will allow you time to work on innovative projects and to take care of the bigger picture.
About the Author: Carolena Lyons Lawrence was born and raised in Cleveland, OH, the second of nine siblings. She and her husband, Otis Lawrence, moved from Southern California and currently live outside Atlanta GA. Carolena enjoys helping people reach their full potential and her leisure time is spent traveling, gardening, interior designing, and trying to get better at golf. She has made numerous presentations at professional meetings all across the USA and Canada. She has been keynote speaker, invited speaker, and panel speaker participate. She has shared her research results at local, regional, national, and international conferences. Her presentation topics have ranged in areas of business communication, collaborative learning, delegation strategies, use of technology to improve learning, and using MIS to monitor and evaluate infant health care. Carolena has authored numerous scholarly articles in her professional career. She has contributed pioneering theories and procedures in integrating technology into the learning process, incorporating collaborative communication in the business environment, analyzing the effects of learning style using CBI, and in bridging gap between technology and the end user. She has also coauthored four books that include topics on computer integrated manufacturing concepts, management information systems, and business communication strategies. Carolena was also Coauthor of the National CLEP Information Processing Test for the Educational Testing Service. Highlights of Awards and Accomplishments: -Appointed Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University -Who's Who in California Education? -Outstanding Faculty Mentor -Most Influential Faculty Member, San Diego State University -Outstanding Contribution to the College of Business Administration Carolena Lyons Lawrence expertise was gained through years of experience teaching, conducting seminars and workshops for businesses and organizations, developing instructional programs, conducting research, and advising on how to maximize productivity and leadership effectiveness.