Last week’s issue: Setting the Standard: Leading by Example 

Sign Up | Advertise
Join 7200+ tech leaders

If you're just joining us, welcome to House of Leadership—a weekly leadership newsletter helping leaders grow their careers.

If you find value in these newsletters and would like to support this publication, you can become a paid subscriber.

Looking to start a newsletter? Use Beehiiv (it’s what we use)

Start learning AI in 2025

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

_{What we’ll learn in today’s Newsletter}

• Shift mindset: view delegation as trust-building and growth.

• Identify tasks: delegate based on impact and team strengths.

• Match tasks: align assignments with skills and workloads.

• Set expectations: define outcomes, deadlines, and key checkpoints.

• Support autonomy: guide progress without micromanaging.

• Avoid pitfalls: prevent micromanagement and balance task distribution.

Delegation is a cornerstone of effective leadership, but it’s often misunderstood or poorly executed. At its heart, delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks—it’s about building trust, maximising team efficiency, and creating space for leaders to focus on strategic priorities.

How can you do this more effectively?

1. Shift Your Mindset: Trust, Not Control

Effective delegation starts with a mindset shift. Many leaders hesitate to delegate because they fear losing control or believe they can do the task better or faster themselves.

To overcome these barriers:

• Recognise the Long-Term Benefits: Delegating empowers your team, builds their skills, and frees you for higher-priority work.

• Reframe Delegation: Instead of viewing it as a loss of control, see it as an opportunity for growth—for both you and your team.

2. Know What to Delegate

Not all tasks are created equal. Some require your direct involvement, while others can and should be passed on.

• Start with Routine Tasks: Delegate repetitive or administrative work that doesn’t require your expertise.

• Focus on Growth Opportunities: Assign tasks that align with your team members’ development goals.

• Use the 70% Rule: If someone can perform a task 70% as well as you, delegate it. They’ll improve with practice.

By identifying the right tasks, you ensure your time is spent where it matters most.

3. Match Tasks to Team Members

Delegation fails when tasks are assigned without considering individual strengths, interests, and workloads.

• Play to Strengths: Assign tasks that leverage a team member’s skills for quick wins.

• Stretch Assignments: Provide opportunities for team members to grow by tackling new challenges.

• Balance Workloads: Avoid overburdening high performers; spread tasks evenly across the team.

Involving your team in the process—asking for their input or preferences—can increase their ownership and engagement.

🗞️ Things worth checking out

Here’s Why Over 4 Million Professionals Read Morning Brew

• Business news explained in plain English

• Straight facts, zero fluff, & plenty of puns

• 100% free

See for yourself

4. Set Clear Expectations

Clarity is crucial in delegation. Ambiguous instructions can lead to confusion, mistakes, and frustration.

• Define the Outcome: Focus on what needs to be achieved, not how it’s done. For example, instead of micromanaging, state, “Create a report summarizing key metrics by Friday.”

• Specify Details: Share deadlines, available resources, and decision-making boundaries.

• Provide Checkpoints: Establish milestones to monitor progress without micromanaging.

By outlining expectations, you set your team up for success while ensuring alignment.

5. Balance Support and Autonomy

Striking the right balance between guidance and independence is essential for effective delegation.

• Avoid Hovering: Schedule regular check-ins but trust your team to handle the day-to-day.

• Encourage Problem-Solving: When questions arise, guide your team toward solutions instead of providing all the answers. Ask questions like, “What options have you considered?”

• Stay Accessible: Let your team know you’re available if they encounter roadblocks, fostering a sense of support without micromanagement.

This approach builds your team’s confidence and ensures steady progress without stifling creativity.

6. Evaluate and Adjust

Delegation is an ongoing process. Each task offers an opportunity to learn and improve.

• Debrief After Completion: Discuss what went well and identify areas for improvement.

• Provide Constructive Feedback: Be specific, focusing on both strengths and areas for growth.

• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge team members’ contributions to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage accountability.

Reflection helps refine your delegation skills and ensures better outcomes in the future.

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even seasoned leaders can stumble in delegation. Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Delegating Only Low-Value Tasks: This undermines trust and fails to challenge your team. Include meaningful responsibilities in your delegation strategy.

• Micromanaging: Over-involvement discourages autonomy and wastes your time. Focus on results, not processes.

• Ignoring Crises as Opportunities: High-pressure situations often tempt leaders to do everything themselves. Instead, rely on your team to share the load.

By addressing these pitfalls, you’ll foster a more resilient and capable team.

8. Practice Delegation Daily

Like any skill, delegation improves with practice. Start small and scale up as you and your team grow more comfortable.

• Experiment with Simple Tasks: Delegate a routine task each day to build confidence.

• Reflect on Outcomes: Assess what worked and what didn’t.

• Expand Gradually: Over time, increase the complexity and importance of delegated tasks.

This consistent practice strengthens your delegation skills and cultivates a culture of trust and accountability within your team.

Final words

Delegation is more than just offloading tasks—it’s a powerful leadership tool that drives team growth, improves efficiency, and amplifies your impact. By following these tactical steps, you can delegate with confidence and clarity, empowering your team to thrive while freeing yourself to focus on strategic priorities.

Remember: great leaders don’t do it all—they enable others to succeed alongside them. Start practicing today and watch as your team rises to the challenge.

Until next week!

David

Want more?

🚀 Subscribe to my premium newsletter for exclusive insights, proven strategies, and next-level growth tips that you won’t find anywhere else