Delegation @ Work in God’s Image

According to Genesis 1, God made humans in his own image. If we bear God’s image, how best can we carry that image to the workplace? How about delegation?

Let’s face it, God not only could have done everything Himself but by any standards of success should have done (the ultimate application of “if you want something done …”). However He chose not to. Why? I’m not entirely sure, but clearly it has something to do with how much He loves us. Despite our constant and repetitive failures, He has persevered with us. Despite the rebellion and complaints and self-centeredness of His people, He has continued to show us grace.

But He also knows that, on our own, we simply aren’t going to get it done (“it” in this case being the restoration and re-establishment of His New Creation, His Kingdom). So not only did He call us to this seemingly impossible task, but He encouraged us, equipped us, restored us, and was unbelievably patient with us.

Those of us who are managers or supervisors, or members of any kind of team, can model this extraordinarily gracious attribute of God in the way we delegate. Delegation in the workplace has many purposes, including sharing of workload, leveraging the gifts of a team, and developing members of a team. It is sometimes done for other, less constructive reasons (for example dumping unwanted work on others, pushing off responsibility, or exercising power). So a few thoughts on how we delegate:

1. Consider our motivation for delegation (or for not delegating). Are we seeking the best for the rest of the team? For the company? For the person to whom we’re delegating?
2. Are we delegating tasks that, while potentially a stretch for the delegate, are within their grasp and will lead to long-term growth?
3. Are we encouraging others to whom we delegate, emphasizing progress made in learning and growth, and sharing responsibility for mistakes and failures?
4. Are we providing the tools, training and support necessary for others to learn and carry out the delegated tasks and responsibilities?

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” In the same way, our workplace activities will be successful to the extent we don’t try to do them alone, but work in partnership, in community as God intended for us. Delegation is a key way to accomplish this, and a way in which we can live out the image of God that we bear.