Delegation & Supervision is one of the volumes in the Brian Tracy Success Library. Thus far, the others focus on motivation, negotiation, time management, and leadership, all published by AMACOM. Tracy has already written one or more books of greater length and depth that examine these and other major business subjects. What he has now done with each of the volumes in the series is to condense with consummate skill the most valuable information, insights, and counsel within a 100-page format, in this instance the most valuable lessons he has learned about delegation and supervision.

Briefly but substantially, Tracy covers essentials that include deciding what must be done by whom, identifying deliverables, selecting the right person (NOT persons) to complete each task, and providing authority as well as responsibility with delegation. He selected 21 specific subjects or themes and devotes a separate chapter. These are among the passages that caught my eye

In Chapter Two, “Challenge the Myths That Block Effective Delegation,” Tracy identifies and demythologizes five misconceptions about delegation:

1. There is not enough time to delegate.
2. The staff is not competent enough.
3. If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.
4. People will think you’re not on top of things if you delegate to others.
5. When you are good at something, you should do it yourself.

In Chapter Six, “Set Standards of Excellent Performance,” Tracy identifies five keys to motivation:

1. Clear goals, objectives, and key results areas
2. Clear standards of measurement
3. Success experiences — the feeling and fact of actually completing the job to a high standard
4. Recognition from the boss, and from other people including the boss’s boss
5. Rewards that are directly tied to excellent performance of the business task

In Chapter Eighteen, “Identify the Four Personality Types,” Tracy shares his thoughts about the DISC test.

o The Director
o The Socializer
o The Relator
o The Analyzer

In these and other chapters, Tracy suggests the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during each stage of an immensely important process: Getting the most appropriate person in alignment with the each important task. A supervisor must make several decisions about Who, What, and Why; then the supervisor should discuss How with each person to whom a task is delegated. I realized decades ago that great leaders have a “green thumb” for “growing” people. They realize that delegation with proper supervision is the best way to do that.

In the final chapter, Brian Tracy shares what he considers to be the five basics of effective delegation and supervision: “First, accept complete responsibility and accountability for yourself and for your staff and for everything they do and do not do…Second, view your staff as younger family members, almost like your children…Third, practice the friendship factor [i.e. being likeable and trusted as well as respected]…Fourth, practice the Golden Rule in everything that you do…Fifth and finally, remember that human resources are the most valuable assets that the company has.”

If there is a better way than delegation and supervision to accelerate the personal growth and professional development of those entrusted to our care, I have no idea what it is.

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Brian Tracy is Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations. His goal is to help as many people as possible to achieve their personal and business goals faster and easier than they ever imagined. He has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 55 other countries worldwide. As a keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year. He is the author of more than 45 bestselling books that have been translated into dozens of languages. He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.