THE ART OF DELEGATING
TIP SHEET FOR PEER SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS
BCNA National Summit 2017
A common challenge for peer support group leaders
Being a peer support group leader is a busy job. Between coordinating meeting times,
confirming meeting venues, liaising with support group members, writing newsletters, posting
newsletters, organising speakers, buying the morning tea, and planning and running events, it is
easy to be overwhelmed with things to do.
BCNA often hears from support group leaders that they find it difficult to get members to help
with the various tasks associated with running the group and, planning and running events.
Understanding why members don't help
It can be easy to assume that the reason why members are not helping out is because they just
don't want to or they don't care enough about the group. Though there may be times that these
are the reasons, there is likely much more to it than that. Here are some reasons why members
may not have helped in the past. Consider if any of these may be relevant in your group.
Lack of
It may be difficult for group members to understand the challenges of
understanding being a support group leader, especially when the group leader makes it
all look so easy.
Fear
A member might worry that they won't do a task well or as good as you.
Past
experience
A member may have had a bad experiencing when helping in the past –
either in the group or in another situation.
Awareness
A member may not know the different ways they can contribute to the
running of the group.
Wrong match
A member may not have the relevant skills in the area, e.g. they may not
have the computer skills required to produce the newsletter.
Overwhelm
A member may think that taking on one task will lead to more and more
and they will become overwhelmed.
Confidence
Responsibility can be scary for some people and they may feel uncertain
that they are able to do what you ask.
Shift of
expectations
Members came to the group for support and they may feel that it is unfair
to then be expected to help with the running of the group if it wasn't
explained when they first joined.
Time
A member may genuinely not have the time to help with the task you want
to give them.
bcna.org.au 1800 500 258
Understanding why you need help
Asking for help can be difficult, especially for people in support roles. Burnout is a concern for
support group leaders and has very real consequences. Beyond the health issues that can
develop as a result of burnout, support groups are at risk of closing if group members are not
able to support or take over from the leader. Burnout is a risk that can be avoided by sharing the
load.
Sharing the load – the art of delegating
Learning the art of delegating means that you don’t get stuck in the trap of being the one that
takes on everything.
Ask
Often, support group members want to help, but they won’t always offer assistance.
Don’t wait for group members to come to you, instead draw up a list of tasks you need
help with and ask who is able to help out.
Handover
Specific tasks
Give members a specific task that needs
to be completed, and provide clear
timelines.
Deal with challenges
If challenges arise, support the member to
find the solution, but don’t take over.
Supporting them to handle challenges
develops their skills.
Handover responsibility for the task to the
member. Let them know you trust them to
complete it. Give them the responsibility
to make decisions along the way.
Manage your expectations
Don’t expect others to do things your way.
They will do it their way, and that’s okay!
Match the task with ability
Give feedback
Always acknowledge other people’s
contribution, no matter how big or small.
Make sure you give people tasks that
match their abilities so they can manage
the task. It is okay to give them
opportunities to stretch themselves
though!
Share the responsibility
You don’t need to be all things, to all people, all of the time. Share the load.
bcna.org.au 1800 500 258