Delegation: Stop Doing Their Jobs

The Delegation Paradox

Managers often don't delegate because 'it's faster to do it myself.' While true in the short term, this mindset destroys long-term capacity. Delegation is an investment in your team's skills and your future bandwidth.

Levels of Autonomy

1. Do exactly what I say.
2. Research and bring me options.
3. Recommend a decision for my approval.
4. Decide and inform me.
5. Decide and handle it.

The Feedback Loop

Delegation is not abdication. Establish clear check-in points based on the complexity of the task and the experience level of the employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if they fail?

Define the acceptable blast radius. Let them fail on low-risk tasks so they learn. Step in only on high-risk tasks.

What tasks shouldn't I delegate?

Performance reviews, hiring/firing, and high-level strategic planning.