A Delegation Skills Checklist

 About the list

The list below is a place to look in preparation for delegating a project or additional duties to an individual who reports to you in the "chain of command." While it is comprehensive, it may not include all of what can be considered prior to delegating. I would appreciate "builds" or other comments on the utility of the list. Feel free to use this list and to pass it to others, as long as you retain the attribution to this site.

□ 1. I delegate, and usually, the job gets done as expected

□ 2. I balance estimated project cost with projected project benefits

□ 3. I check for clarity each time I delegate

□ 4. I usually don’t decide when an assigned project is due.

□ 5. I ask the delegee when an assigned project can be completed

□ 6. I discuss the specific limits of authority for the project.

□ 7. I describe what an undesirable outcome is.

□ 8. I ask what additional resources a delgee will require to complete the project.

□ 9. I require a game plan for execution shortly after the delegation incident

□ 10. I review the game plan for fatal flaws.

□ 11. I announce to the organization my support of the delegee .

□ 12. I discuss the significance of the project as part of the delegation event.

□ 13. I promise to be available to coach delegee.

□ 14. I create a bring-up for several days before project is due.

□ 15.. I check with a neophyte delegee at 10%, 25%, 75%, and 90% intervals, less frequently for more experienced people.

□ 16. I am available when a delegee wishes to discuss the project.

□ 17. I use delegation as part of an individual’s personal development plan.

□ 18. I delegate complete, but small, projects and work; larger, according to previous success levels.

□ 19. I have actually coached a delegee on phases of project execution.

□ 20. I have gained at least 5 hours/ week by delegating.

□ 21. I delegate to people who have been trained to accomplish the assignment.

□ 22. I use errors and delays as teaching moments for the delegee.

□ 23. While I do not punish for mistakes, I am hard on delays in informing me about significant, unexpected events.

□ 24. I congratulate and express my thanks upon successful, on-time-on budget completions.

□ 25. I conduct, or have the delegee conduct an “after-action” analysis for lessons learned, both positive and otherwise, after completion.