Delegation is one of the most powerful skills in business. Yet, for many business owners, the idea of passing tasks onto others can feel challenging. After all, no one knows your business like you do, and entrusting important work to others can feel like a risk. However, mastering the art of delegation is not only about freeing up your time but also about empowering your team to grow and succeed.
When done well, delegation allows you to focus on high-impact work that truly drives your business forward. It builds confidence within your team, fosters accountability, and creates a more agile organisation. So, what does effective delegation look like? Let’s break it down.
What is Delegating?
As a business owner, your success hinges on your ability to work through others and build a capable team. If you’re not delegating effectively, you may find yourself swamped with tasks that could—and should—be handled by someone else. Your time is valuable and should be spent on high-impact, high-value work that only you can do. Delegation is a key skill, one that is essential for growth and sustainability, and one you need to master if you haven’t already.
What stops people from delegating?
It’s a common hurdle. Are you unsure if a task will be done the way you’d do it yourself? Does the complexity of the work make it feel impossible to hand over? Or do you just want to stay in the loop? These are all understandable concerns, but holding onto tasks creates bottlenecks, stifling team productivity. If any of this resonates, then the following framework will be a game-changer.
The delegation framework is straightforward: “Act, Report” or “Report, Act.”
Act, Report
This approach is “go and do it, then let me know it’s done.” For this to work, ensure the person you’re delegating to understands the task, the context, and why it matters, along with a clear deadline. This method is ideal for straightforward tasks where your input isn’t required. “Act, Report” helps streamline work and build team members’ confidence in taking action.
Report, Act
The “Report, Act” approach is used when there’s an important decision to be made, a detail you want clarity on, or when the task is new to the person you’re delegating it to. In this case, ask your team member to outline their approach first. Have them come to you, explain their plan, and get your agreement before moving forward. “Report, Act” gives you control over critical details without taking on the entire task yourself.
This framework is particularly valuable for those who are naturally detail-oriented or hands-on. By using “Report, Act,” you remain involved where it counts, without taking on unnecessary steps. And here’s the real benefit: by consistently using “Act, Report” and “Report, Act,” you’ll empower your team to take on more responsibility, grow faster, and tackle new challenges with confidence.
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