Delegating is an essential management practice in today's busy law firms. As a legal administrator, you are faced with daily demands in a variety of areas. One minute you may need to address a personnel issue while the next you may be called upon for leadership on a technology project. To accomplish all of your responsibilities, you must rely on your staff for assistance.

If you've been reluctant to distribute some of your less critical assignments to your employees, you're missing out on many of the rewards of delegating. It allows you to focus on key initiatives and improve your productivity, while your team builds stronger problem-solving and decision-making skills. You also motivate your staff by keeping them professionally challenged and create an atmosphere of collaboration.

To delegate effectively, first take a good look at your daily responsibilities. Are you spending too much time on routine tasks? Are you unable to address broader, "big picture" issues? Identify projects that require your attention and those you can assign to members of your team. It may be helpful to draw up a list and break it into three categories: (A) Tasks that you are convinced only you can do; (B) Tasks that a particular staff member may be able to do well; and (C) Tasks that anyone on your team could handle. If you're hesitant to hand off work, you'll want to start with category C items and, as you become more comfortable with the practice, move on to B and A.

Consider the following guidelines as you begin to delegate:

• Assess the project as a whole. Make sure you take into account the time, skills and resources required for success. Delegating isn't about unloading an assignment on someone else, but rather seeking the assistance of an employee you're confident can successfully complete the task at hand. Always work with the individual to determine what's needed, and then provide the necessary support.
• Share the vision. Let the staff member know how the task fits into the overall objectives of the firm. This will give him or her a better understanding of the assignment's significance. For example, if you're having someone research different brands of teleconferencing equipment, you'll want to explain that this technology is part of a broader initiative focused on working with new clients in other markets.
• Define the requirements. Set deadlines for various stages of the project and let the employee know your expectations. Do you want regular progress reports along the way? Should the delegated task be a higher priority than the person's normal work responsibilities?  If several people will be working on the initiative, make sure that everyone knows his or her role and how performance on the project will be evaluated. Put as many details in writing as possible to help avoid any misunderstandings.
• Don't micromanage. Allow staff to come to you as a resource and advisor when needed, but try to encourage them to propose solutions to any problems they encounter. Also give them the authority to make key decisions. You'll show that you have confidence in their abilities, which can provide a high degree of job satisfaction.
• Recognize their effort. Employees want to exceed your expectations. When a person does a good job, take the time to let him or her know. This is particularly important when someone has made the extra effort to assist you with a difficult project or meet a tight deadline.

Delegating should be an ongoing practice. As employees demonstrate the ability to assume greater responsibility, assign more and grant them additional autonomy. In the end, you'll find that not only are you doing a better job as a legal administrator, but your team members have enhanced their skills and are making a greater contribution to your firm.

Sherry Hurst is a Recruiting manager for St. Louis office of The Affiliates , a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of legal professionals with law firms and corporate legal departments. Based in Menlo Park, Calif., The Affiliates has offices in major cities throughout the United States and Canada.