Nov 30, 2020

Tip 114: How to Delegate a Task

Delegation of tasks is a skill and goes well beyond telling our team members to “do this” and “do that.” It is an intentional process that requires clear communication and continuous feedback.

Consider these steps to ensure your team and direct reports respond effectively once you hand off the task.

Define the Task. People need to fully understand the task, the deadlines, and the criteria for determining success.
Decide if the task should be delegated. As a rule, leaders should try to delegate as much as possible. Some tasks, however, should never be delegated, including hiring, firing, and reviews.
Select whom to delegate the task to. Match team members unique skills and talents with tasks.
Introduce the task and get initial agreement. It is more effective to ask a team member directly to complete a task. Frame the work in a way that talks about the importance of the task and how it fits into the bigger picture.
Communicate the details. Outline the key elements of the task so you can clearly communicate your expectations. Provide context, deadlines, priorities, scope, format, resources, outcomes, check points, and address concerns, requests, and scheduling.
Get clear agreement on the deliverables. Aim for clear verbal communication.
Monitor but don’t micromanage. Ask for updates along the way. Expect some mistakes and make yourself available for additional details and questions.
Provide coaching and feedback as needed. Training and support should be expected.
Conduct a post-delegation assessment. Reflect, discuss, and evaluate the process and performance.