The document outlines strategies for effective delegation, including preparing employees for tasks by clearly outlining specifics, communicating expectations clearly in a respectful tone, confirming understanding by asking questions, following up periodically to ensure projects are on track, and avoiding hovering over employees as they work. The key steps are to prepare well by understanding the task yourself, communicate details clearly and respectfully, confirm the employee understands fully before handing off the project, follow up regularly for accountability, and trust employees can handle the work without hovering.

1. STRATEGIES FOR
EFFECTIVE
DELEGATION
Philip Ward

2. They know what they want, when they want it,
and exactly which steps they need to take to
achieve their business goals. This dual focus on
big-picture goals and tiny details is invaluable
for those working to get their startups or small
businesses off the ground. At some point,
though, even the most control-oriented
entrepreneur needs to trust that the employees
she delegates to can handle the work - maybe
even better than she herself can! Here, I outline
a few tips I've found useful as a delegating
entrepreneur.
ENTREPRENEURS
ARE DETAIL-
ORIENTED
PEOPLE.

3. PREPARE
Don’t just throw a task on an
employee’s desk and expect it to
be done the way you imagine.
Before you even reach out to the
employee, you should outline the
specifics of the task you plan to
delegate. Put yourself in your
subordinate’s shoes: what would
you ask a manager if they dropped
this assignment in your inbox?
Have a few answers prepared and
ready at hand. Remember, you
yourself need to have a clear
understanding of the task at hand
- otherwise, how could you
possibly convey it properly?

4. COMMUNICATE
CLEARLY
A worker needs to know what you
expect to be done, how you
expect it to be done, and when
you need it to be done by. By
setting clear expectations upfront,
you pave the way to a smooth
project execution and delivery
later on. That said, managers must
keep in mind that how information
is conveyed matters just as much
as the information itself. Check
your tone and attitude! Do
employees feel willing to ask
questions? If not, you may find
yourself needing to rectify
miscommunications and
mishandled projects down the line.

5. CONFIRM
UNDERSTANDING
Never assume that an employee
understands a project without
confirming with them first.
Misunderstandings can lead
workers to complete tasks
incorrectly and ultimately waste
their time - and yours! Before you
formally hand off a project, ask
the employee questions about the
task at hand to ensure that they
fully understand their
responsibilities, deliverables, and
deadlines.

6. FOLLOW UP
Effective communication is a two-
way street. Periodically check in
with your subordinates to make
sure that their projects are on-
track and that they themselves
are comfortable and engaged in
their work. Ideally, they should
feel comfortable reaching out to
you when they encounter a
problem or need clarification on
project details. Regular
communication between manager
and employee builds
accountability, and accountability
prevents last-minute mistakes.

7. DON’T HOVER
Relinquishing control can be
difficult for detail-driven
entrepreneurs, but it is an
absolute necessity for long-term
business success. One individual
can’t handle every aspect of a
business! Don’t try to hover or
micromanage projects, but trust
that the people you hired can
handle what you give them. If an
employee seems to be veering
off-course, try coaching them
through the problem rather than
stealing the task back.

8. THANK YOU!
p h i l i p w a r d s e a t t l e . c o m