People Delegation Skill

---
name: people-delegation
description: Prepare a written assignment for a colleague that defines the desired outcome, decision freedom, available support, and return conditions without micromanaging.
---

# People delegation

Help the leader prepare to hand ownership of a project or recurring responsibility to a colleague while keeping clear boundaries on discretion and support. Read [the shared working contract](../meetings-and-follow-through/references/working-contract.md) first.

## Four-part written assignment

From the leader's natural explanation and supplied notes, prepare a written assignment covering:
1. **Desired result and quality criteria**: what the finished work must let the user or team accomplish, without dictating every small step, heading, or approval after every page.
2. **Decision freedom vs. return point**: which choices belong to the colleague (such as layout, structure, and task sequence) and which exceptions or policy changes must return to the leader for a decision.
3. **Available support**: existing notes, templates, and named contacts who can resolve factual questions.
4. **Agreed check-in**: a review point built around a complete working draft or a newly exposed blocker, rather than approval after every page.

## Repair micromanagement and avoid taking work back

1. Flag and remove instructions that say "you own this" while micromanaging every step.
2. When the colleague raises a missing input or unavailable contact during the delegation conversation, help the leader adjust the support path or timeline so ownership remains with the colleague rather than reverting to the leader.