It can be tempting to give a workhorse on your team more projects than others, or to ease up on an employee who’s struggling. But it’s important to be fair when divvying up assignments so no one gets off easy or is overly burdened. Set aside time to come up with a plan that’s fair and balanced. Write a list of the work that needs to get done, and then assign the tasks according to each team member’s specific function, position, and strengths. When you brief your team on their new tasks, clearly articulate your expectations so that everyone knows exactly how to use their talents and skills. Talk to team members one-on-one about their share of the collective workload, and check in on their progress. If a team member isn’t carrying their weight, address the issue quickly and directly. And remember that teamwork is not static: When projects crop up and priorities shift, you need to be flexible.
Adapted from "Make Sure Your Team's Workload Is Divided Fairly," by Rebecca Knight
