5 Steps to Make Sure You’re Delegating to the Right People

Your team is your greatest asset. You know it, I know it – but do they know it? 

Steve Jobs famously said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” This highlights the importance of empowering your team by delegating tasks effectively. When delegation is done right, it helps people feel valued, engaged, and motivated. It also fosters growth, learning, and productivity. 

However, like all things in leadership, delegation requires careful thought. Here are five strategies to help you choose the right person to delegate to and ensure the task is executed successfully. 

1. Pick Someone with the Right Ability 

First and foremost, when delegating, it’s crucial to select someone with the necessary skills and abilities to handle the task. Delegating to someone who is underqualified can lead to frustration for both the person and you, as well as subpar results. Assess your team’s strengths and choose the person who has the technical know-how or experience to accomplish the task efficiently. 

By selecting the right person, you increase the likelihood of the task being completed to a high standard, which in turn enhances trust and confidence within your team. 

2. Pick Someone Who Can Make Time 

One of the most common reasons leaders avoid delegation is the concern that everyone on the team is too busy. While this can sometimes be true, it’s essential to remember that people who are motivated and eager to develop will often find the time to take on additional responsibilities. 

When considering who to delegate to, look for team members who are not only skilled but also capable of managing their workload or finding the time to take on more. Delegating to someone who is overwhelmed will not only diminish the quality of work but may also lead to burnout. Conversely, delegating to a motivated individual who can balance their responsibilities can lead to growth and development. 

3. Pick Someone Willing to Take on the Job 

Willingness is a crucial factor in delegation. If the person you choose is not genuinely interested in taking on the responsibility, their performance may reflect that. Always consider whether the team member is open to the task and sees it as an opportunity rather than a burden. 

People who are willing to take on delegated tasks are more likely to approach the work with enthusiasm and ownership, which can significantly impact the outcome. Communicating the importance of the task and how it fits into the bigger picture can also motivate team members to willingly take it on. 

4. Pick Someone for Whom the Job is Motivating 

Different tasks inspire different people. What may seem like a mundane responsibility to one person could be an exciting challenge to another. Consider what motivates your team members when delegating. 

When you match a task to someone’s interests or goals, you’ll see them take on the responsibility with greater energy and focus. For example, delegating a leadership role to someone who has expressed interest in career growth can be incredibly motivating. Not only will the task be completed with care, but you’ll also be fostering the individual’s development and job satisfaction. 

5. Pick Someone Who Can Grow from the Job 

Effective delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks – it’s an opportunity to help your team grow. Look for someone who can develop new skills or expand their expertise through the delegated responsibility. When you delegate with development in mind, you’re not just getting the task done, you’re investing in your team’s future. 

Choose individuals who have the potential to grow from the experience, whether it’s learning a new skill, expanding their leadership capabilities, or gaining confidence in handling more responsibility. This approach can lead to long-term benefits for both the individual and the organisation. 

Now, over to you. What is one thing you can delegate this week to someone on your team? Start by identifying a task and considering who among your team would benefit most from the responsibility.

Delegating effectively not only helps you manage your workload but also strengthens your team’s capabilities and engagement. Remember, by choosing the right person, you’re setting both them and the task up for success. 

Want to Learn More? 

For more insights on effective leadership and delegation, be sure to check out my book, Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation. This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies for empowering your team, fostering growth, and achieving leadership excellence. Click here to find out more and see how you can purchase a copy today. 

PS – Whenever you’re ready, here are FIVE ways I can help you become a better leader… 

1. Take my FREE masterclass “3 Steps to Leadership Excellence”

A step-by-step roadmap to guide you from wherever you are now on your leadership journey to becoming a truly world-class leader.

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If you lead a team, you need to master delegation. Learn how to delegate effectively and what to do if it all goes wrong.

3. Book a 15-Minute “Discovery Call”

Develop a personalised leadership development plan that will get you results in the next 6 to 12 weeks and beyond.

4. Want to up your Leadership Game to the next level? Register to our Leadership Development Program

Find out more about our Leadership Excellence Program – Equipping leaders with the necessary skills to lead high-performing teams.

5. Take our 3-minute quiz to discover your Top 10 People Leadership Strengths

Thousands of people have taken our quiz and used their strengths to achieve their goals. Take the quiz today and see what you can achieve.