In an office environment, it can be easy to take on too many tasks yourself. Maybe it’s out of habit, or maybe you just want to be certain it’s done a particular way.

Regardless, we’re all human. If you try to do it all, you’ll burn out. You have a staff for a reason! They’ve all been through dental staff training and can complete tasks successfully if given the chance.

Without knowing how to delegate tasks effectively, a workplace can quickly become chaotic and difficult to work in. Productivity is sure to decrease in this kind of environment. 

Taking on too many tasks means no one can get the proper attention they need. If you feel this might be happening in your office, it’s time to consider delegating more effectively. 

Why Is Delegating Tasks Important?

Delegating is an important skill to have in a dental office. There are many things to do at any moment, and you need to know how to ensure their completion even when you aren’t taking them on yourself. 

Delegating effectively results in a happier work environment, more accountability for your staff, and better service for your patients. Delegation is a skill that leads to success. 

How to Delegate: 5 Steps

Learning to delegate can be difficult. To help you out, let's break down the delegation process into six phases. 

1. Pinpoint Your Goal

To start delegating, you need to first identify which tasks need delegating. Are there smaller tasks that members of your staff can take on? Is there anything that’s been particularly time-consuming, and you know you could spend it better elsewhere?

Make a list of these tasks. For each, you need to identify a clear goal. The goal must be both attainable and concrete. 

2. Choose a Team Member for the Task

Once you have a task in mind, you need to assign it to a member of your team. Take a look at your staff and consider who is capable of this task. Who has the training or could go through the training needed to complete this task? Is there anyone with extra time on their hands?

Choosing a staff member is a vital part of the delegation process. Choosing the wrong person could cause more chaos in the office. This choice should ease tension and stress in the office, not add to it.

3. Communicate Effectively With the Chosen Employee

Give your chosen employee the task, and use clear communication throughout this process, from the first time you present the task to completing it.

The employee needs to fully understand the desired outcome, quality expectations, and time commitment of this task. Patience is the key here — answer questions they have thoroughly. Keep an open mind to their suggestions and ideas.

You should also communicate what is going on with the rest of the team. Including which tasks you’ve delegated to others during team meetings or morning huddles is a productive method of accomplishing this and keeps everyone on the same page. 

4. Implement Checkpoints

Part of knowing how to delegate tasks effectively includes implementing checkpoints throughout the completion of the task. Giving a clear due date is important, but it’s equally essential to check in before that date. This provides room to make adjustments to the due date, answer questions, or clarify expectations along the way.

Checkpoints are the time for flexibility. Remain open to altering the task’s deadline or giving additional support to the staff member if needed. If you’ve delegated a long-term or more taxing task to a staff member, breaking it up into smaller parts with their own checkpoints may be beneficial.

5. Discuss Progress

The end of the task doesn’t mean the end of the delegation process. After the staff member finishes the task, it’s your responsibility to follow up.

Evaluate the progress and finished product, offer praise and feedback when necessary, and address any lingering questions. Stress the accountability of all parties.

This last step is essential to set yourself up for success the next time you’re delegating a task. 

Improve Communication and Streamline Staff Productivity with Dental Intelligence

Knowing how to delegate tasks effectively doesn’t always come naturally. You may encounter hurdles, such as unproductive staff members or delayed progress. If you aren’t used to delegating, there will likely be an adjustment period for you and your staff. Stay patient, and know that ultimately, this will help your dental practice grow. 

To learn more about how to run your dental practice smoothly, schedule a demo of Dental Intelligence.