Delegation is the assigning and distribution of a task, responsibility and/or authority to another person/party for a specific function.

This is commonly performed by people managers/supervisors with their subordinates in the workplace, delegating the necessary as part of improving team productivity, development and morale.

It is also worth noting delegation is not just limited to people manager/supervisor-subordinate workplace relationships. At times, it can also include and happen within:

• Workplace peer-to-peer colleagues
• Cross-departmental collaborations
• Coordination of responsibilities for special projects

How to delegate effectively?

Here are 4 key principles you can apply, using the C.A.R.E. acronym:

• Clarity
• Accountability
• Resources
• Empower

1. Clarity

You must delegate with clarity.

Hence, when you delegate, be clear and specific with your:

• Required tasks to complete
• Expectations and don't assume they 'automatically get it'
• The timeline and deadline for completion

For example, if you are delegating someone a task to complete a report, you should also advise on:

• What specifically is required in the report?
• What is the purpose and objective of the report?
• When to complete and submit the report by?

This helps in preventing any misunderstandings with your delegation.

2. Accountability

It is important to remember, you can delegate the responsibility but you can't delegate the accountability!

Hence, you can't delegate the ownership entirely if things go wrong. This is especially true if you are a people manager/supervisor delegating to your subordinates. You are accountable for them and the resulting outcomes.

Be accountable for what you have delegated.

3. Resources

When delegating, you need to ensure your delegatee recipient also has the necessary resources to perform what is delegated to him/her.

This includes:

• Enough work competency?
• Enough time?
• Enough support?

Take these considerations in mind when you delegate. If your delegatee recipient do not have these, the person/party may not be the right one for this.

4. Empower

As you delegate, it is vital to also empower together your delegatee recipient for this!

Give your delegatee recipient the appropriate:

• Ownership
• Control
• Decision-making authority

This is because your delegatee recipient will need some form of autonomy to complete what was delegated.

You can check-in regularly, but avoid micro-managing and unnecessary step-ins. With this delegation, be clear with what needs your confirmation and/or approval and what doesn't.

Concluding remarks

Delegating effectively is crucial when distributing and assigning work within your company culture, ensuring continuity of efficiency and productivity, no matter who is handling the required work at hand.

Handle your delegation with C.A.R.E.!

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