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Notes on communicating the delegation:

Always start with the end in mind. Take time to communicate with your employees and write down your expectations. Tell them what the end result should look like. Don’t assume they can read your mind or know what you expect.

Paint a big picture. Explain why the project you have delegated is important. Many employees are given a task, but the purpose is never explained within the larger context of the business. This can foster a feeling that the manager is dumping “busy” work. For example, rather than simply assigning the seemingly mundane task of gathering data, explain the purpose behind the request.

Make the presentation of the task participative and involving. Encouraging the employee/team to ask questions and discuss with the supervisor the rationale behind the delegation. This is a motivational approach, allowing the employee to appreciate the issues and reasons for the delegation and how they will benefit from the completion of the task.