Event Planning

Successful Task Delegation

Most likely, event planning isn't your primary job. Somehow, the responsibility just landed in your lap. And now, it's up to you to bring it all together like clockwork to create the memorable occasion everyone is anticipating.  Planning and executing an event can be overwhelming particularly if you don’t ask for help.  In order to keep your cool and ensure the event goes off without a hitch you must delegate!  

The key to successful and effective delegation is to understand and identify the types of work styles that your event team members possess.  The majority of your team will fall into one of these four categories: Thinkers, Directors, Relaters and Socializers.  This article will discuss each type and offer suggestions for delegation tasks.  

• The Thinkers want to get it right.  They are task oriented folks who are motivated by quality answers, excellence and value.  These individuals are your list makers and not your risk takers.  On the upside they seek accuracy and facts.  On the downside, they can be stubborn and unimaginative.  A good place for these folks to work would be in registration.  Their attention to detail and accuracy will serve them well in this position.


• The Directors want to get it done.  Like the Thinkers, they are task oriented but welcome the opportunity for a challenge and possess a gung ho spirit.  They are motivated by choices and control.  Directors can be decisive and confident.  However, they can also be intimidating and use force instead of cooperation to get something they want.  The Director would serve well in an advisory role in assisting you, the planner, with event decisions.  Or, you could put the director in a leadership role like head helper or head volunteer.


• The Socializers want to get appreciated.  These are the fun folks who are motivated by recognition, approval and popularity.  They can be persuasive, good verbally, optimistic and people oriented.  They can also have big egos, poor organization skills, be indecisive and lack following through.  Socializers do well at fundraising events because they excel at schmoozing the crowd.  You will want them to be walking around the room, engaging your guests and ensuring that they have a good time.


• The Relaters want to get along.   These folks are the more passive version of the Socializer.  They are motivated by security, appreciation and assurance.  This is your quintessential team player that will remain loyal and patient through it all.  The weaknesses of the Relaters include indecisiveness, overly emotional and illogical decision making.  The Relaters are quite possibly the easiest to delegate because they are willing to accept almost any task and are quite content to serve.  Just don’t forget to offer praise on a job well done!
  

We’ve all been taught the Golden Rule – treat others the way you want to be treated.  Now, consider the Platinum Rule – treat others the way they want to be treated.  Once you recognize the work styles in your team, delegating effectively will be achievable.

Best wishes for a successful event!