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22: How to Deal with Staff Member Pushing Back on Delegation (Roleplay)

Season #1

Episode Overview: In this role-play episode, Lucie and Chris delve into a common workplace challenge: managing delegation effectively, especially when team members resist added responsibilities.

They simulate a scenario where Lucie, the manager, tries to delegate tasks left by a departed colleague to Chris, who is hesitant to take on more work. Through their discussion, they explore different strategies for approaching such situations, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Empathy is Crucial: Lucie's initial approach lacks empathy and understanding, leading to resistance from Chris. The conversation highlights the importance of managers showing empathy and validating team members' feelings and concerns.
  2. Clear Communication: Effective delegation involves clear and open communication, where expectations are set realistically and discussions about job responsibilities are held transparently.
  3. Team Collaboration: Instead of imposing tasks, inviting team members to co-create solutions can lead to more amicable and productive outcomes. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and problem-solving.
  4. Adapting to Changes: The discussion underscores the need for flexibility in management, especially when unexpected changes occur, such as a team member leaving.

Reflection Prompts for You:

  • Think about a time you had to take on unexpected responsibilities. How did you feel, and how did your manager handle it?
  • Reflect on your current approach to delegation. Are there aspects you could improve to foster better teamwork and less resistance?
  • Consider how you can apply the principles of empathy and collaboration in your daily work interactions to enhance team dynamics.

If you found this episode insightful, don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on enhancing workplace dynamics. Your feedback is invaluable, so please leave us a review or share your thoughts and experiences related to today's topic.

Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here: 

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova