Delegate not Abdicate!

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I made the mistake of not overseeing my tradespeople's work closely enough - Dan Hulbert

Let me explain the crucial difference between abdication and delegation. When you abdicate, you are essentially avoiding responsibility by passing it on to someone else. On the other hand, when you delegate, you are actively involved in deciding how the task should be carried out.

In the fast-paced world of construction and craftsmanship, the importance of supervision cannot be overstated. As someone who has been involved in numerous projects, I have come to realise the profound implications of my oversight—or lack thereof—when it comes to managing the work of my tradespeople. Initially, I believed that by hiring skilled professionals, I could trust them to execute their tasks independently without the need for constant supervision. However, this assumption proved to be a significant miscalculation.

When I reflect on the various projects I have undertaken, I can pinpoint specific instances where the lack of diligent oversight led to subpar results. For example, there were occasions when I was preoccupied with other aspects of the project, such as budgeting and scheduling, which caused me to underestimate the necessity of being present to monitor the tradespeople's work closely. This negligence not only resulted in errors that required costly corrections but also affected the overall timeline of the project. Moreover, the dynamics of teamwork and communication among tradespeople can be quite complex. Without my active involvement, misunderstandings arose regarding project specifications, leading to discrepancies in the final output. It became evident that even the most skilled tradespeople benefit from guidance and clarity, which I failed to provide adequately.

I learned that effective supervision is not merely about watching over the work but also about engaging with the team, providing constructive feedback, and fostering an environment where questions and discussions can occur freely. As I moved forward in my career, I made a conscious decision to change my approach. I began to implement regular check-ins and progress reports, which allowed me to stay informed about the work being done and to address any issues before they escalated. This shift not only improved the quality of the work but also enhanced the morale of the tradespeople, as they appreciated the support and direction they received.

In conclusion, my experience has taught me that effective oversight is crucial in the world of trades and craftsmanship. By actively engaging with my tradespeople and closely monitoring their work, I can ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction for both myself and my clients. The lessons learned from my initial oversight have been invaluable, shaping my approach to project management and reinforcing the importance of collaboration and communication within the team.

I hope you have found this useful, if so please pass the blog link to others you know that would benefit from this content.

All the Best Dan.

Builder | Consultant | Speaker

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