The 5 Levels of Delegation You Need to Gain Back Your Time

Delegation means giving up control and trusting others with your work. Reasons that delegation feels hard:

• You think someone else won't do the job the right way
• You're afraid you'll be replaceable
• You don't know how to assign work
• It involves managing other people

But delegation is a skill. Like any other skill, it requires practice and resources to get good at it. It requires you to manage projects and people.

To delegate efficiently, ensure you choose the right person for the job with the necessary skills.

• Identify the required skillsets for the role
• Define an hour and money budget for the task
• Identify prospective candidates for the job.
• Interview the candidates if necessary

When you are hiring, make a practical test simulating the task you are delegating. If you need a video editor, ask for a quick video.

• Level 1: Do as I say - At this level, you give instructions. You already know exactly what you want and require the other person to stick to your specifications.
• Level 2: Research and report back - When you need information to make a decision, you don't need to gather the information yourself. You can delegate the Research and ask for a Report.
• Level 3: Research and make a recommendation - You are not looking for a regular report but actionable recommendations. This means researching, outlining options, and making the best recommendations possible with pros and cons.
• Level 4: Decide and inform - At this level, the employee makes the decision by himself and then informs you.
• Level 5: Act independently - At this level, there is total freedom. There's no need to report back. This is best for responsibilities that are not very important or that you are not best suited for.

Staying organised while delegating can be difficult. To ensure you are on top of everything, follow this 3-step process.

• Create your work environment around your goals. Then organise your tasks based on the goals. Lastly, organise your time for efficiency.
• Organise your physical and digital files.
• Follow up with team members regularly. Set up meetings and feedback sessions.