The Delegation Step Most Managers Miss Out

Written by Dave Bailey

Filed under management

 

Great managers do this to set their team up for success.

In a previous essay on delegation, I suggested two principles that can help you delegate more effectively: (i) delegate problems, not tasks, and (ii) coach, don’t instruct.

What I missed was a third principal: (iii) empower problem-owners in public.

There are three steps to fully empower your team member and complete the delegation circle:

1) Signal the problem owner . . . to the team.

‘As you all know, we have a problem [problem statement]. I’ve asked [name of problem owner] to find a solution to this.’

2) Promote listening . . . to the team.

‘I’d like you all to help [name of problem owner] as needed. And if you have input you believe they’ll need, please, give it directly. 

3) Hold the problem-owner to account . . . to the team.

‘[Name of problem owner], now you’ve heard from the team, what are your next steps? How will you let us all know about your progress?’

This format can take less than a minute to communicate, but it can make a world of difference to the leader who owns the problem. It shows that the problem is important not just to the boss, but to the entire team. It gives the leader authority to make decisions that solve the problem. And it sets up team accountability — they’re no longer just accountable to you, they are accountable to everyone on the team.

 

Originally published Mar 26, 2021, last updated Jun 1, 2021

 

Learn a new skill every week

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and learn new skills and mental frameworks that make startup life easier.

Unsubscribe any time.

Popular articles

How to Drive a Culture of Ownership

Do you wish your team took more ownership? Here’s how to trust them to get the job done without you...

How to Ask Your Team The Right Questions

To improve your ability to ask great questions, it helps to understand the types of questions you can ask...

A Guide to Running Exceptional One-on-Ones

How effective are your one-on-ones? Here's a practical guide for managers and their direct reports...

Join my newsletter

©2023 Founder Coaching Limited. All Rights Reserved.
FOUNDER COACH® is a registered trademark of Founder Coaching Limited.