# Ten-step delegation

## Tool

|  | Step | Action | Completed
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
| 1 | Identify the task or activity to be delegated | Ensure the task is something someone else can do effectively. It may be something that you want a team member to become confident in doing. |
2 | Identify the individual | Why this person? What will you as a manager gain from delegating? What will this person gain from taking on the task? |
3 | Evaluate ability and support needs | Are you confident that the identified individual has the ability and capacity to take on the task? Do you need to put support in place? |
4 | What are your reasons for delegation? | Explain why this task is being delegated and your reasons for choosing this person. Explain the value of the task and its place in the work of the unit. |
| 5 | Communicate required results | State clearly what has to be done, the stages involved and what a successful outcome will be. Provide written information if necessary. Check the requirements are understood. |
6 | Clarify what is required | Outline what is required to complete the task. This may involve getting support from others, or finding information from other units. |
7 | Set a time frame | Clearly state the expected deadline for completion of the task or, if it is an ongoing responsibility, when it will be reviewed. Agree a review date. |
| 8 | Ensure wider recognition | If the task being taken on involves the whole unit, ensure others know of this new level of responsibility and the need for support and/or cooperation. |
| 9 | Monitor progress and evaluate success | Once the task has been taken on, ensure follow-up meetings are scheduled to monitor progress. Review the stages completed by the individual and get feedback on their progress. Identify any obstacles and provide support in overcoming them. |
10 | Reward success | On successful completion of the task, or becoming confident in a new responsibility, ensure the individual is given positive feedback. Identify what has been gained and future opportunities for delegation. |