Delegation Checklist
Table of Contents
Preparation Phase
Determine the goal of delegation.
Define what powers are due to be delegated and why.
Decide to whom the task will be delegated.
Delegate according to the person's ability and skill level.
Notify the employee of future delegation beforehand.
Planning Phase
Explain the reasons for delegating to this person.
Describe the project clearly , including how the project fits into the larger scheme of things.
Ask the employee to prepare a plan of how to accomplish the job.
Establish a meeting time to discuss the employee's ideas.
Arrange for the meeting to take place in a nonthreatening location.
Discussion Phase
Have a conversation with the employee and review the project objectives.
Precisely explain the employee his new duties and rights.
Explain what the results should look like.
Discuss ideas on how he or she plans to proceed.
Listen to the employees questions and requests.
Specify the resources that will be made available
Tell the employee how much authority he/she will have.
Discuss how much follow-up to expect.
Emphasize the employee's responsibility for the outcomes.
Make written confirmation in which terms and responsibilities are determined.
Provide the employee with all necessary documents.
Prepare the form of delegation.
Audit Phase
Make it clear to others what had been delegated and the authority the person has.
Agree to progress checks.
Check progress at agreed-upon intervals.
Provide support if required.
Give feedback, both motivational and developmental.
Download or Print this Delegation Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Campbell Rodriguez

Stats
Views
554
Views: 554
Uses
51
Uses: 51
Tasks
31
Tasks: 31
Introduction
Who it's for
This Delegation Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.
- Standardize quality - run the same Delegation steps every time, regardless of who executes
- Save time - reuse a proven Delegation workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
- Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
- Onboard faster - use the Delegation checklist as the SOP and training guide
- Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth
How to use it
How to use this Delegation Checklist:
- Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
- Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
- Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
- Reuse without rebuilding - when Delegation comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.
Suggest Improvements
Rate this Checklist
Delegation Checklist Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of delegation?
The main purpose of delegation is to enhance productivity by distributing workload among team members while promoting their growth and development. Key benefits include:
- Efficiency Improvement: By delegating tasks, managers can focus on higher-level responsibilities that require their expertise.
- Skill Development: Delegation allows team members to acquire new skills and gain confidence in their abilities through hands-on experience.
- Enhanced Team Collaboration: It fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and engaged in achieving common goals.
- Better Time Management: By sharing responsibilities, individuals can manage their time more effectively, leading to improved project outcomes.
Overall, effective delegation contributes significantly to organizational success.
What is a delegation checklist?
A delegation checklist is a structured tool that helps managers and team leaders effectively assign tasks to team members. It ensures that all essential aspects of the delegation process are covered, enhancing accountability and clarity. A well-crafted checklist typically includes items like:
- Task Definition: Clearly outline the task to be delegated.
- Selection of the Right Person: Choose a team member with the right skills and capacity.
- Setting Clear Objectives: Define what success looks like for the task.
- Providing Resources: Ensure the delegate has the necessary tools and information.
- Establishing Deadlines: Set clear timelines for task completion.
Using a delegation checklist can streamline processes, prevent oversight, and promote effective teamwork.
What are the 5 steps (rules) of delegation?
The 5 steps of effective delegation focus on clarity and accountability. They include:
- Identify Tasks to Delegate: Determine which tasks can be handed off to others.
- Select the Right Person: Choose someone who has the skills and capacity to take on the task.
- Define Clear Objectives: Communicate what needs to be achieved and set expectations.
- Provide Necessary Resources: Ensure that your team member has access to all required tools and information.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly check in on progress while allowing autonomy, providing support as needed.
Following these rules can enhance productivity and empower your team members.
What are the 7 steps of delegation?
The 7 steps of delegation provide a comprehensive approach to assigning tasks effectively:
- Assess Your Workload: Identify tasks that can be delegated to free up your time for higher priorities.
- Choose the Right Task: Select tasks that align with team members' strengths or development goals.
- Select the Delegate: Choose a capable individual who is ready to take on new responsibilities.
- Define the Task Clearly: Provide detailed instructions and expectations for the task at hand.
- Set Deadlines: Establish realistic timelines for task completion to keep the process on track.
- Provide Support and Resources: Ensure your delegate has everything they need to succeed, including guidance and tools.
- Review and Give Feedback: After task completion, review outcomes and provide constructive feedback for future improvement.
What are the 4 C's of delegation?
The 4 C's of delegation represent key principles that enhance successful task assignment:
- Clarity: Clearly define what needs to be done, including objectives and expectations.
- Control: Maintain oversight by checking in regularly without micromanaging.
- Communication: Foster open dialogue; encourage questions and feedback throughout the process.
- Commitment: Ensure that both you and your delegate are committed to achieving the task’s objectives together.
By focusing on these four principles, managers can create a supportive environment that boosts confidence and accountability among team members.
What are the 4 P's of delegation?
The 4 P's of delegation provide a framework for effective task assignment:
- Purpose: Clearly articulate why a task is being delegated, emphasizing its importance within the broader goals.
- Priorities: Establish priorities by indicating which tasks should be tackled first or are most critical.
- People: Identify who will be responsible for executing each delegated task, ensuring they have the right skills.
- Process: Outline any necessary processes or procedures that need to be followed during execution.
Incorporating these elements into your delegation strategy helps ensure clarity, efficiency, and successful outcomes.
What are the 4 Ds of delegation?
The 4 Ds of delegation help clarify how to approach task assignment effectively:
- Do It Yourself: If a task requires your expertise or is crucial, handle it personally.
- Delegate It: Assign tasks that others can handle effectively, freeing up your time for more critical activities.
- Delay It: If a task isn't urgent, consider postponing it until there's more time or resources available.
- Dump It: Eliminate unnecessary tasks that do not contribute value or align with your goals.
These guidelines assist managers in prioritizing their workload while empowering their teams.