Why does delegation keep failing?

Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader,

1. A quick word from Zach

If you’ve ever tried delegating only to have the work come back wrong, incomplete, or late, then you know it can be tempting to decide your team just can’t handle more responsibility.

But before you blame the person you delegated to, there’s another question worth asking: How clear was the handoff?

2. Something worth reading

Dave Ramsey’s mini-book, Delegation is a practical companion to this issue because it reinforces the idea that delegation is a leadership skill you have to learn, not a one-time handoff you hope works. It’s a good next read if you want to become more intentional about transferring responsibility instead of taking everything back yourself.

3. Something worth thinking about

“

... and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

~ 2 Timothy 2:2

I know, Paul was giving direction about training in ministry, but his instruction to Timothy also gives us a picture of intentional transfer. If you want someone else to faithfully carry something forward, you first have to make sure you’ve given them something clear enough to carry.

4. Something worth trying

Think about the last project or task you delegated that didn’t go well. Before you conclude that the other person couldn’t handle it, audit the handoff itself: Did they know exactly what you wanted, why it mattered, what winning looked like, when it was due, and what authority they had?

The Delegation Handoff Kit will help you work through those questions and create a clear, written handoff for your next project or task.

That's it for this week.

To thriving,

Zach Wise

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What is "Dear Sam", anyway? This column started with a real person — a friend and client named Sam. I write each issue with him in mind, and with you in mind, too.

Check out past Dear Sam issues here.

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