Five Degrees of Delegation

In the decision-making process, the degree to which you delegate authority will vary. Consider the task, the person, the time available and the top management interest to decide the appropriate degree of delegation. For each degree of delegation, you must relinquish a part of your authority and trust your staff to complete the job without interference from you.

1. Investigate and Report

Here, you're solely delegating the fact finding. Once the team member has related all the facts pertaining to a situation, you then take the appropriate action.

2. Investigate and Recommend Action

The staff member gathers the facts and recommends a course of action. Consider their recommendation in your decision-making.

3. Investigate and Advise of Action Planned

The staff member does the fact finding, considers the options and decides on a plan of action. You approve the plan before it's implemented.

4. Investigate and Advise of Action Taken

The staff member has done the fact finding, made the decision and implemented a course of action. You're advised afterward.

5. Investigate and Take Action

Your staff member is now in full control. The facts are gathered, a decision is made and acted upon without your knowledge. This is full delegation and should be your goal under most circumstances.

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