Delegation is the underlying essential skillset for leadership and when done well, it creates value for the company, offers a chance to enhance skills and relationships for participants, and enhances the reputation of the manager leading the initiative. Some companies use delegation more effectively than others.
In my observations over 20 years of working tech leaders who want to effectively enhance their leadership and deepen their bench strength, these are the key elements that contribute to successful delegation and professional growth within organizations.
- Clear Communication and Defined Expectations
Effective delegation requires clear communication of tasks, desired outcomes, deadlines, and expectations. Leaders must ensure team members have a complete understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Incomplete or overly informal task descriptions lead to poor delegation experiences. Open lines of communication allow for addressing questions and concerns promptly from both the person assigning the delegation and those entrusted with it. - Trust and Empowerment
Successful delegation involves trusting team members’ abilities and empowering them with decision-making authority. Leaders should delegate not just tasks but also the autonomy to exercise judgment and take ownership. This is the uncomfortable step for many managers because at first it represents a loss of control or authority when the opposite is actually true. Delegating the ability to make material decisions and reach out to others in professional networks to accomplish an assignment fosters a sense of responsibility and motivates employees to deliver their best work. - Alignment with Strengths and Development Goals
Delegating tasks that align with team members’ strengths, interests, and development goals is crucial. Be upfront when you are making a request that is not perfectly aligned with these areas for one or more of the people you offering a delegation assignment. This approach optimizes productivity, boosts job satisfaction, and provides opportunities for professional growth. Naturally, leaders must conduct skills assessments and match tasks accordingly, as well as be knowledgeable about the technical interests and career aspirations of their team members. - Supportive Environment and Continuous Learning
While empowering teams, leaders must provide adequate support, guidance, and resources. Offering mentorship, coaching, and training opportunities creates a conducive environment for success and continuous learning. A culture that values feedback and improvement is essential, so strive to reinforce these values in your professional relationships as well as your company culture. - Accountability and Progress Monitoring
Effective delegation involves establishing accountability mechanisms to track progress and ensure timely completion of tasks. Regular check-ins, feedback, and adjustments help address issues promptly and achieve desired outcomes. When agreed to at the start of a delegation assignment, these feedback opportunities convey more support and less micromanagement. - Leadership Development and Succession Planning
Delegation serves as a powerful tool for leadership development and succession planning. By entrusting responsibilities to team members, leaders can identify and nurture future leaders, filling the leadership pipeline and adding bench strength. - Organizational Culture and Values Alignment
Successful delegation requires aligning team members’ actions with the company’s culture and values. Leaders should foster a collaborative environment where purpose, impact, and values are collectively defined and embraced.
Look for and cultivate these elements in your work relationships within your company, department, and team to further develop a delegation culture that promotes professional growth, empowerment, and overall organizational success.