Hand Over the Shovel -- Five steps to getting some help around here!

This time of year, many of us wish we could add more hours to the day, or perhaps clone ourselves so one of us could be at the office finishing the year-end reports, one could be shoveling the driveway and a third self could be picking up a few last-minute gifts.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be all you, doing everything, all the time. The next best thing to cloning yourself is taking some of your skills and abilities and transferring them to someone who can carry them out while you are doing other stuff.

It takes a little time on the front end, but the results are amazing. When the new skill is put into place, you will be a rockstar mentor, and your mentee will be bursting with their new accomplishment!

Example Skill: How to shovel the driveway.

Step 1: Explain. Tell them what, why and how to do the skill. Focus particular attention on the WHY. We need to shovel the driveway so we can get food; get to work or school; or go see a friend.

Step 2: Demonstrate. With many skills it is not enough to just tell someone how to do them. Actions speak louder than words. Show them how to start shoveling at an ideal spot, how to scoop and lift the snow, and where to pile it so it’s not in the way. Also, outline the specifics or even walk off the part of the driveway you want shoveled. If just a driving lane is ok, or if you want all of the concrete surface cleared of snow, show them. People will remember what you do more than what you say.

Step 3: Practice with Coaching.  In this step, allow the person to practice the skill, while you are coaching during the practice. Hand them the shovel and let them show you they can do the skill effectively and offer some advice if needed. NO YELLING in this step.

Step 4: Observe. Now, you can check your email or make a phone call while you watch them shoveling. Sweet!

Step 5: Feedback. After you observed, let them know how they did. This feedback should be 80% or more positive feedback, and 20% or less constructive criticism. If they fail at the skill then you failed in the transfer process.  Repeat if needed or marvel at your success!