Delegation is one of the most powerful tools a leader has to grow their business and develop their team. As Stephen Covey eloquently states, “Delegating to others is perhaps the single most powerful high-leverage activity there is.” But delegation isn’t just about handing off tasks—it’s about empowering your team by attaching real authority to the responsibilities you delegate. Without this, delegation is just task assignment.
core, delegation allows leaders to focus on high-level priorities while giving their team members opportunities to grow. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about effectiveness. When done well, delegation builds trust, develops skills, and creates a shared sense of ownership within the organization.
The opposite is also true.
Ineffective delegation, such as micromanaging or failing to provide clarity, can lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted effort. When staff members are confused and frustrated, they typically become disengaged employees.
Levels of Delegation
To delegate effectively, you need to match the level of authority you give with the capability and experience of your team member. Here’s a simple framework:
- Level One
This is the most basic level of delegation. You ask someone to gather information or research options for you. You typically tell the team member what to do and the exact way to get it done. You retain full decision-making authority.
- Level Two
At this level, your team member executes a task but checks in at key milestones for feedback. There are typically loose parameters on how to get it done. Some authority is given, but not complete autonomy.
- Level Three
Here, you delegate an entire project and only require updates once it’s completed. Full responsibility for a task or project is given. At this level, you are giving full authority and empowering your team member.
Setting Your Team Up for Success
Delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s about ensuring your team has everything they need to succeed. Before delegating:
- Clarify Expectations: Clearly outline what needs to be done and what success looks like.
- Provide Resources: Ensure your team has access to the tools, information, and support they need.
- Communicate Authority: Be explicit about how much decision-making power they have.
- Avoid Scope Creep: Don’t add new requirements mid-project unless absolutely necessary.
One common mistake is failing to provide all necessary information upfront. Imagine being asked to complete a task only to have your boss repeatedly add new requirements—it’s frustrating and demotivating. You need to avoid this by being thorough from the start.
The Long-Term Benefits
Effective delegation takes time and effort initially but pays off exponentially in the long run. It helps you build a capable team that can operate independently, freeing you up to focus on strategic growth. As Covey emphasizes in his concept of “stewardship delegation,” focusing on results rather than methods allows your team members to take ownership while fostering creativity and accountability.
If you’re ready to take your leadership skills—and your business—to the next level, start evaluating how you delegate today. Are you empowering your team with real authority? Are you clear about expectations? Use the three levels of delegation as your guide and watch as your organization becomes more effective and engaged.
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Ways to Work Together
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A third way, and I know I only said two, but sometimes I can’t help myself. If you are feeling stuck and are in need of resources, reach out. I am happy to point you in the right direction and even provide an asset of my own to help you move forward.
Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?