Below are tips for successful delegation of authority that will help you help your staff succeed when they are most empowered:

1.                  When delegating work, give the person a whole task to do.   (If you can’t give the employee a whole task, make sure they understand the overall purpose of the project or task.  If possible, connect them to the group that is managing or planning the work.  Staff members contribute most effectively when they are aware of the big picture.)

2.                  Make sure your staff person understands exactly what you want them to do.   Ask questions and have the employee give you feedback to make sure your instructions were understood.

3.                  If you have a picture of what a successful outcome or output will look like, share a picture with your staff person.  You want to make the person right.  You don’t want to mislead the person to whom you delegate authority for a task into believing that any outcome will do, unless you really feel that way.

4.                  Identify the key points of the project or dates when you want feedback about progress.  This is the critical path that provides you with the feedback you need without causing you to micromanage your direct report or team.  You need assurance that the delegated task or project is on track.  You also need the opportunity to influence the project’s direction and the team or individual’s decisions.

5.                  Identify the measurements or the outcomes you will use to determine that the project was successfully completed.  (This will make performance appraisals more measurable and less subjective, too.)

6.                  Determine, in advance, how you will thank and reward the staff person for their successful completion of the task or project you delegated.