Delegation IS NOT about palming off the tasks you don’t want to do so that you are free to take on the only parts of projects you do want to do (like handing over the filing on a project you’re working on – because you don’t like filing – so you are free to do all the design, all the research, or even to visit set more often – which you enjoy)… in this scenario, there is little trust and lots of stagnancy; how could anyone working for you ever prove to you sufficient skills to fully take on a smaller project so you are free to take on larger ones (where you both can grow)?
Delegation IS about handing over not only the project and all its tasks, but also its responsibility… although as manager or supervisor you retain ultimate responsibility… and in this scenario you oversee the work, can properly mentor, and can help someone to grow their abilities and career to benefit not only themselves but also the work team and company.
About.com has a great management blog with 2 great articles about delegation. Not written specifically for the film industry, but totally valid all the same:
Delegate, Don’t Dump
http://management.about.com/od/people/a/DelegatDontDump.htm
and
All Management is People Management
http://management.about.com/od/people/a/All-Management-Is-People-Management.htm
Have a look and learn to delegate and work with people effectively.. and to grow.
Cheers & good delegation to you,
Deb