Are You Delegating or Just Assigning Tasks?

Delegation is a crucial leadership skill, but many leaders get it wrong. Handing off tasks isn’t the same as true delegation. Real delegation means giving employees ownership, not just work.

Some leaders hesitate to delegate because they fear losing control. Others offload tasks but still require final approval on every step. Neither approach builds strong, independent teams.

Signs You’re Assigning, Not Delegating

1. You’re Still Making All the Decisions

If employees have to check in at every stage, they don’t really own the task. They’re just following instructions.

2. The Work Always Comes Back to You

If you frequently rework or finalize assignments, your team isn’t truly accountable for their results.

3. Employees Don’t Feel Challenged

Delegation should help employees grow. If they’re only given routine or administrative tasks, they aren’t developing new skills.

How to Delegate the Right Way

1. Let Go of the “How”

Set the outcome, but let employees determine how to get there. This builds problem-solving skills.

2. Give Real Decision-Making Power

Trust employees to make key calls within their role. If they always need permission, it’s not true delegation.

3. Accept That Mistakes Will Happen

Growth requires risk. If you never let employees fail, they never learn resilience. Provide guidance but don’t jump in too quickly.

If your team isn’t stepping up, ask yourself: Have I truly delegated, or just distributed my to-do list?

Dr. Merrylue Martin is President and Founder of the Job Joy Group, and best-selling author of the Big Quit Survival Guide and the recently published The ABC’s of Genius Leadership.