Have you ever noticed that when the words “delegating or delegate” are mentioned it receives
negative reactions? Why might that be? Could it be because delegating is misused, abused and
misunderstood?
It turns out that when delegating is done right, there are many benefits for all parties.
The upcoming series of post is to help clarify delegating to avoid misuse and abuse.
Let’s get started so we can avoid misuse and abuse of delegation.
What Is Delegating?
To delegate, you must give someone the responsibility and authority to do something that’s normally
part of your job.
Delegation is not “dumping.” If employees think you’re merely throwing unpleasant assignments on
their lap, they’ll resent having to find extra time for boring or dead-end projects.
Delegation is not abdication. You share accountability for the assignment. That’s why you must
establish appropriate controls and checkpoints to monitor your employees’ progress.
What Delegation Is NOT
As stated above and it deserves to be repeated. Delegation is not “dumping.” If employees
think you’re merely throwing unpleasant assignments on their lap, they’ll resent having to find
extra time for boring or dead-end projects.
Delegation is not task assignment. Task assignment is simply assigning work to an
individual within the duties and responsibilities of their position. Delegation involves the
manager giving someone the responsibility and authority to do something that is normally part
of the manager‟s job.
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Delegation Involves Three Important Concepts and Practices:
 responsibility,
 authority, and
 accountability
When you delegate, you share responsibility and authority with others and you hold them accountable
for their performance. The ultimate accountability, however, still lies with the manager who should
clearly understand that:
 Responsibility refers to the assignment itself and the intended results. That means setting
clear expectations. It also means that you should avoid prescribing the employee “HOW” the
assignment should be completed.
 Authority refers to the appropriate power given to the individual or group including the right
to act and make decisions. It is very important to communicate boundaries and criteria such as
budgetary considerations.
 Accountability refers to the fact that the relevant individual must „answer‟ for his/her/their
actions and decisions along with the rewards or penalties that accompany those actions or
decisions.