The Delicacy of Delegation

Historically with regards to my leadership, I've found the task of delegating to be more art than science.  I've struggled with knowing when to delegate, how to delegate and to whom to delegate.  Recently, I ran across this simple little quiz that I found very valuable concerning the topic of delegation. Hopefully, you will too.


QUIZ: Are you delegating enough or effectively?

Answer these simple questions to see where you stand. 

	1. Do you work extended hours trying to catch up?	Yes	No
	2. When you delegate an activity, do you merely say "Do it?"	Yes	No
	3. Do you take work home evenings and weekends?	Yes	No
	4. Do you postpone long-range projects?	Yes	No
	5. Do you lack confidence in your subordinates' abilities?	Yes	No
	6. Is the work on your staff below your expectations?	Yes	No
	7. Does your staff have low morale?	Yes	No
	8. Are all decisions deferred to you from your staff?	Yes	No
	9. Has your staff stopped presenting their ideas to you?	Yes	No
	10. Do operations slow down when you're away?	Yes	No

If you answer yes to more than five of the questions, you're not delegating enough! 


“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.” -Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004) U.S. president


For more on delegation, read this.