The 5 Magic Questions Leaders Should Ask When Delegating 

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective delegation is a crucial skill for leaders. Late last year, I authored a bestselling book titled Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation, where I address a common query from leaders worldwide: “Kylie, how can I delegate so it doesn’t fail?” 

Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks; it’s about empowering your team and enhancing productivity. To assist leaders in this process, I’ve outlined five essential questions that should guide your decision-making when considering delegation. 

1. Is this a task that someone else can do, or is it critical that you do it yourself? 

One of the first questions to ask yourself is whether the task at hand requires your unique expertise or if it can be performed by someone else on your team. As a leader, your time is valuable, and it’s essential to focus on high-impact activities that directly contribute to your organisation’s goals. If a task can be handled by someone else, it’s worth considering delegation. 

2. Is there someone else who has (or can be given) the necessary information or expertise to complete the task? 

Next, evaluate the skills within your team. Do you have individuals who has some knowledge, capability or expertise needed for the task? If not, can you provide them with the necessary training or resources? Investing time in developing your team’s capabilities can lead to improved performance and greater job satisfaction. 

3. Does the task provide an opportunity to grow and develop another person’s skills? 

Delegation is not solely about reducing your workload; it’s also about fostering the growth of your team members. By assigning tasks that challenge your colleagues, you help them develop new skills and gain confidence in their abilities. This not only enhances team dynamics but also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation. 

4. Is this a repeatable task? 

If the task is something that is done regularly, consider delegating it to free up your time for more strategic initiatives. Repetitive tasks are ideal candidates for delegation because they can be standardised, outsourced and increases the capability of your team.  

5. Do you have enough time to delegate the job effectively and stay on top of things? 

Effective delegation requires time and attention. Before assigning a task, assess whether you have the capacity to guide your team member through the process. Consider factors such as training, progress check-ins, and potential reworking. If you’re overwhelmed, it may be better to hold off on delegation until you can provide the necessary support. 

If you answer “yes” to these questions, it’s time to embrace delegation. Trust me; you’ll be grateful you did. Delegation not only enables you to focus on the strategic aspects of your role but also empowers your team to take ownership of their work, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. 

Putting Delegation into Practice 

What is one task you need to delegate, and who should handle it? Take a moment to reflect on your current responsibilities. Identify tasks that drain your time and energy, and consider which team members might benefit from the opportunity of growing. 

To get started, make a list of potential tasks for delegation. Communicate clearly with your team, explaining why you are delegating and what you expect from them. Provide the necessary resources and support and maintain open lines of communication to address any questions or concerns. 

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.

2. Read my book “Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation”

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.