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Writer's pictureDaniel Phan

Learning to Let Go: The Art of Delegation for New Leaders



Two hands exchanging paper

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a first-time leader is a huge shift in any professional's career. What I've noticed is this shift often comes with its unique set of challenges, mainly learning how to let go. In otherwords, effectively delegate. As someone who has both experienced and led a new leader development program, I've observed that many emerging leaders struggle with the transition from doing to leading. This struggle is ingrained in the mindset that it might be faster or safer to handle tasks personally rather than passing them on to team members.


The Delegation Dilemma

For new leaders, the temptation to remain involved in every detail of the work is strong. The thoughts of "It'll go faster if I just do it myself" and "I need to protect the quality of the work" are common. Yet, these instincts, while often well-intentioned, can stunt the growth of the team and the leader alike.


A useful litmus test for determining if you're delegating effectively is to ask yourself: "If I unexpectedly took a couple of weeks off, would the work still move forward?" If the answer is no, it's likely that you are taking on too much and not empowering your team sufficiently.


Why Delegation is Crucial

Delegation is not just about distributing tasks; it's a critical component of leadership that involves trust, empowerment, and growth. When leaders delegate:

  1. Efficiency improves: Tasks are carried out by those with the appropriate skills or those who need development opportunities.

  2. Development is fostered: Team members grow their skills and confidence, which benefits the broader organization.

  3. Leadership focus shifts: Leaders can focus on strategic goals rather than day-to-day tasks.


Best Practices for Effective Delegation

Here are three key pieces of advice for new leaders struggling to delegate effectively:


1. Clarify Your Expectations

New leaders must be clear about what successful completion of a task looks like. Define the outcome you desire, but be open to letting team members determine the best path to achieve these results. This involves setting clear deadlines, required resources, and expected standards.


2. Match Tasks With Skills

Delegation is most effective when tasks are matched to a team member’s skills or developmental needs. Take time to understand each team member's strengths and career aspirations. This matching process ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and helps in personal development.


3. Establish a Feedback Loop

Create a structured way to receive regular updates on progress, without micromanaging. This could be through scheduled check-ins or progress reports. Feedback should be a two-way street; it's as much about giving constructive criticism and praise as it is about receiving updates on task progress.


Action Items for New Leaders

To put these insights into practice, here are three actionable steps to improve your delegation skills:

  1. Conduct a Delegation Audit: Review all the tasks you currently handle and identify which can be delegated. Assess each task for its suitability for delegation based on the team’s current skills and developmental needs.

  2. Develop a Delegation Plan: For each task you delegate, write down the outcome you expect, the resources needed, and the timeline for completion. Communicate these to your team clearly and provide support where necessary.

  3. Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Establish a routine that allows for regular updates on delegated tasks. Use these meetings to not just track progress, but to coach and offer feedback, fostering a continuous learning environment.


For first-time leaders, delegation is less about losing control and more about gaining time, developing teams, and achieving strategic objectives. The journey from doing to leading is challenging but understanding and embracing the power of delegation is crucial. By doing so, you not only enhance your leadership but also empower your team to succeed and grow.

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