Have you ever reached the end of a project before realizing you (or someone on your team) didn’t meet expectations? Ever jumped in so this didn’t happen?
You can address both problems with a tool we call “slices.”
Slices are a delegation tool. They are pre-planned previews or pieces of a project, giving managers and staff an opportunity to check in and stay (or get) aligned.
Defining logical slices from the outset, can help managers stop micromanaging and provide project owners support they need to drive the work (in the right direction).
In our delegation and getting aligned worksheets, there’s a section for you to identify your slices at different stages of a project: early, mid-stream, and towards the end. If you have trouble coming up with ideas for slices, try asking yourself: are there aspects of the project that are new (in general or specifically for the owner), complex, and/or high-stakes? Here are some examples of slices:
How to Use Slices and Stop Micromanaging
What specific products or activities (e.g., outlines, data, drafts, etc.) should the manager review or see in action to monitor progress?
| Project Name | Early Slice | Midstream | Back-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics for an annual convening | A project plan and budget proposal | A progress report: confirmed vendors, finalized agenda sections, actual expenses vs. budget | A run-of-show with presenters and other helpers with manager present |
| Hiring for a role | A draft of the must-haves and what success looks like for each | A list of potential interview questions and job simulations | A progress report: an overview of candidates advancing to finalist interviews |
| Facilitating a series of workshops | A proposal for section outcomes | Manager shadows first workshop & provides feedback | Review second workshop surveys together & debrief |
| Running a day of action | An action proposal with strategic analysis | A draft plan for the day of action, including proposed speakers, mobilizations (if any), and safety/security measures | A run-of-show with marshals, speakers, and other volunteers with manager present |
Unlock your team’s potential and drive tangible outcomes by enrolling in our Manage Successful Projects training package! Gain the confidence, strategies, and hands-on experience you need to deliver results and lead projects with impact. Whether you’re a manager or staff member, level up your skills and start getting the most out of your projects today!
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