Delegation vs Abdication

I like Bruce Tulgan’s take on delegation in his book It’s Okay to be the Boss:  

“Some managers make the mistake of thinking that delegation is about letting go. Sadly, delegation is not at all about letting go of work. Delegation is all about getting work done through others – and that is an intense, hands-on endeavor.” 

Leadership by abdication is telling an employee or volunteer what to do, but then disappearing into the sunset, never to be seen again. This is not responsible delegation, rather leadership by abdication. Delegation is simply clearly articulating goals, specifications and deadlines. It might look something like this:

1. Goal: I want you to restock the office refrigerator with drinks
2. Guidelines: I want you to get a 24 pack of diet soda and a 24 pack of bottled water
3. Deadline: I want you to complete this task by Wednesday at 2pm

As managers we need to practice responsible delegation, not leadership by abdication, so don’t hand out another assignment unless you can clearly articulate the goal, the guidelines and the deadline. Then be sure to check in along the way, and hold people accountable.