Even in content marketing, there are sometimes projects that need to be delegated or outsourced. Some content marketers actually do this quite frequently so they can fit in more clients and get more done. Some do it because they've come across a project that's just too big for them to manage on their own. Whatever the case may be, delegating tasks gives you the chance to work on a few aspects of the project really well, instead of working on many aspects really poorly. It also provides freelancers the opportunity to lead and to manage, which may not happen quite often, while those delegated to have the opportunity to shine and to showcase their skills. But, are there certain ways to delegate? If so, are there times when one way would yield better results than another?The delegation method used depends on the group and the type of project. After all, the way you would delegate tasks to a group that has volunteered for a project is different from how you would delegate to a group that’s been assigned to the project. If the situation arises for freelancers to become project managers, then here are three styles of delegation, and the scenarios which would be most appropriate for each method:
1. Assignment – This is when you, as the project manager, simply assign tasks to different people. Choosing which tasks to delegate, and to whom, is entirely up to you. Assigning tasks is good to use in a time crunch, when you can’t wait for group members to volunteer for a task, or if a task or two has come up at the last minute, and you need someone to do them right away. Assignment is also a good method of delegation when you are knowledgeable of the skills of each of your group members. Then, you can assign tasks based on those skills.
2. Volunteer – Instead of assigning the tasks, you can give your group members the opportunity to volunteer for the available tasks. This is a good delegation method if everyone in your group volunteered to be in the group in the first place. It’s also a good choice if you have a smaller group, where each person will have to take on multiple tasks. Giving your group the option to choose in this scenario allows each person to evaluate how much time they have for different tasks. Assigning tasks in this case may unfairly burden some members and not others. If you, as the project manager, think that your group will respond to the tasks at hand, then volunteering would be a good way to delegate.
3. Russian Roulette – This is where you delegate through randomization, perhaps pulling names or tasks out of hat to delegate the tasks. This method should be used in case too many people are volunteering, or volunteering for the same tasks, or if the group doesn’t want to be assigned tasks. Russian Roulette can also be used if there a lot of menial or unfavorable tasks, the sort of things that people wouldn’t want to volunteer for or to be assigned. Russian Roulette, in this case, can be seen as a the fairest way to delegate. It’s also a good method if you’re managing a large group or large number of tasks, where assigning tasks or having members volunteer, would just take too long.
Overall, delegation is about entrusting your team with important responsibilities for the goal of the successful completion on the project. Just like there’s more than one way to establish trust with a friend or family member, there’s more than one say to establish trust with your group members. Choosing the appropriate way to establish that trust could dictate how a project moves from start to finish.