While assigning duties to your employees, the way you communicate your request influences whether they'll follow through successfully.

Include the why. Go beyond issuing do-this, do-that demands to explain why a project matters. That way, they'll understand the big picture and feel more motivated to deliver great results.

Avoid the ask-and-intrude game. Once you ask someone to do something, pull back and wait for results. Resist the urge to nag or otherwise interfere. No one likes a boss hovering in the background who gives frequent, unsolicited advice.

Don't dump and run. Delegate by presenting a goal and suggesting what must happen to reach it. Then give the employee a chance to ask questions, clarify ambiguities or express concerns.

Source:
From the editors of Communication Briefings.