Barometer of Delegation

For many, the idea of delegating can often bring a feeling of insecurity, stress, and frustration. The unfortunate reality for many leaders is they have not been taught many important elements of leadership, delegation being one. 

But delegation is a very important element of great leadership. You must know what to delegate, who to delegate to, when to delegate, and why to delegate. Giving people tasks or projects without clearly understanding and communicating these four elements is setting yourself, and your team member, up for sure failure. 

This tool will help you better understand the who part of delegation. 

There are many people at many different levels on your team. Some have more knowledge than others. Everyone has different skill sets and talents. While each person also carries their personal preferences as well. Navigating all of these traits can be challenging so knowing who to delegate what task to becomes the bridge of success in delegation. 

This tool is simple: 

There are four areas listed. You will rate each team member on a scale of 1-5 in each area. The lower the score, the smaller the task or project to delegate. The higher the score, the greater the task or project to delegate. 

You will eventually begin using this tool as a signal for development as well. The greater the rating on each team member, the greater responsibility you will give them within the team. Your ultimate goal is to move higher rated members into leadership positions so they move into delegating and training as well. 

Of course, you want each member moving up the scale over time. But this simple tool can help you decide who you delegate to, when you delegate and what you delegate to each person specifically.