Mastering Delegation: A Leadership Essential

Delegation is a hot topic in leadership circles. Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to present a keynote at an Excel Communications client’s annual meeting, and the subject of delegation came up once again. It’s something many managers and leaders resolved to improve at the start of the year, yet often struggle to put into practice.

We all know we "should" delegate, but for many of us—including myself—it can still be challenging.

The Importance of Delegation

A quick tour around some of the most successful organisations on the planet reveals how effective delegation is a hallmark of strong leadership. In a widely-read article, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, highlighted the key to his success: the people he employs.

“If you really want to grow as an entrepreneur, you’ve got to learn to delegate,” Richard says. “When my friends and I started Virgin, I knew I was lacking vital knowledge on some subjects, so I started learning this skill very early in my career.”

Branson goes further, admitting he has never washed his own clothes—and since they married, neither has his wife!

In the real world, delegation is not just about avoiding laundry. It’s about empowering your team and freeing up your own time for higher-value tasks. So why do so many of us find it difficult?

Why Do We Find Delegation Hard?

There’s no doubt that delegating to team members fosters their empowerment, development, and motivation. It also frees up valuable time for you to focus on more strategic work. Yet, many of us still hesitate.

Here are some common reasons people resist delegation—do any of these sound familiar?

• “It’s quicker to do it myself.”
• “I don’t trust that it’ll be done properly.”
• “Nobody does it as well as I do.”
• “What if someone does it better than me?”

Most of us have been there—or know a manager who has. But holding on to these fears limits your team’s growth and your own effectiveness as a leader.

How to Delegate Effectively

The truth is, delegation does work when done correctly. Success depends on two key factors:

1. Delegating to the right person.
2. Having a clear plan and process in place.

1. People: Delegating to the Right Person

Trust is a major motivator. Look for individuals on your team who have the potential to grow and learn from the experience. A simple strategy is to identify those who already have some of the skills needed for the task or who would benefit from gaining new ones.

For project-specific tasks, think about who would appreciate the opportunity to gain exposure by working on something significant. Also, don’t limit yourself to your immediate team—consider other departments within the organisation that might contribute valuable skills or perspectives.

2. Process: Avoiding Common Delegation Pitfalls

Once you’ve chosen the right person, the next step is to support them through the process. One of the biggest issues we see is when managers delegate, then abdicate responsibility altogether.

Delegation requires attention to detail, especially if the task or project is new for your team. Offer guidance and be available for support—but not forever. Agree upfront on the level of involvement you will maintain and make sure your team member understands what’s expected of them.

Early on, check in regularly to see how things are progressing, offering help when needed. Show genuine interest in their progress, but avoid micromanaging. Striking the right balance is key to ensuring success without undermining their confidence.

Getting Started with Delegation

The reality is that delegation is a skill that can be learned, just like any other leadership technique. As you develop this skill, you’ll not only improve your own efficiency but also empower your team members, helping them grow and develop in their roles.

Ready to start delegating? Take the first step today by identifying one task you can pass on to a team member. Give them clear instructions, offer your support, and watch them flourish.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

About Excel Communications

Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.  

Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.   

We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.   

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