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Leadership Term

Delegation

Definition

The process of assigning responsibility and authority to team members to complete specific tasks or projects. Effective delegation develops team capabilities while allowing leaders to focus on their highest-impact work.

Key Principles

  • Match tasks to appropriate skill levels
  • Communicate expected outcomes clearly
  • Provide necessary authority and resources
  • Set check-in points without micromanaging
  • Accept different approaches to achieving results

Examples in Practice

  • Assigning project leadership to a senior team member with clear goals and autonomy
  • Gradually increasing responsibility as team members demonstrate capability
  • Letting go of tasks you enjoy but that others could do

Related Terms

Servant Leadership

A leadership philosophy where the primary goal of the leader is to serve others. Servant leaders prioritize the growth, well-being, and empowerment of their team members, creating environments where people can develop and perform at their best.

1:1 Meetings

Regular, scheduled conversations between a manager and each of their direct reports. These meetings are primarily for the team member's benefit, covering their priorities, obstacles, feedback, and development.

Psychological Safety

A shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Team members feel confident they won't be punished, humiliated, or rejected for speaking up with questions, concerns, mistakes, or new ideas.

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