I had a small operation on my foot last year. Under general anaesthetic, I was in and out in about 5 hours.
The team that attended to me, efficiently, comprehensively and with a minimum of waiting around was impressive.
Here they are in order from stepping in the building to being wheeled to surgery:
1. Receptionist – check in
2. Receptionist – shown to room
3. Nurse
4. Catering
5. Anaesthetist
6. Consultant surgeon
7. Anaesthetist's assistant
8. Pharmacy
9. Physio
10. Porter
10 people all told, all in the right order, each role crucial to the success of the next task.
It was clear that they each knew their role inside and out - they had been fully delegated to, they didn't have to check anything with anyone.
Which got me to my own recent thoughts about delegation, because there is delegation and then there's delegation.
Not so long ago my version of “delegation” was to give some work to someone else and then watch them do it over their shoulder. That’s not delegation, that’s just not doing it.
Now I truly delegate – someone else has complete responsibility for most aspects of TCFP’s functions. They are truly responsible and happy to be because they are part of, and properly plugged into our DNA.
And TCFP is a happier, more cohesive and rewarding place to work than ever before.