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Delegation in leadership: A critical skill for organisational success

In goodmorning bsn! door Business School Nederland

Effective delegation in leadership is more than just a management tool; it is a cornerstone of organisational success. Leaders who master the art of delegation empower their teams, increase efficiency, and create opportunities for growth—both personally and professionally. At Business School Netherlands (BSN), we believe that responsible leadership, including effective delegation, is one of the four essential pillars of great leadership. This was the focus of the latest session in our GoodMorningBSN! webinar series, featuring insights from leadership expert Igho Orienru.

Why delegation matters in leadership

Delegation is not about offloading tasks; it is about assigning the right responsibilities to the right people with clear expectations and support. As Igho Orienru highlighted during the session, CEOs who excel in delegation see an average 33% higher revenue, according to a Gallup study. This underscores the impact of delegation on both team performance and organisational success.

But what makes delegation effective? It is the synergy of three key elements: trust, clarity, and accountability. These elements allow leaders to empower their teams, foster innovation, and maintain a shared vision for success.

Core principles of effective delegation

During the webinar, Orienru shared the foundational principles of effective delegation, which include:

  1. Trust: Leaders must cultivate an environment of trust, giving team members the autonomy to perform their tasks without constant oversight. Trust is earned through consistent actions and communication.
  2. Clarity: Clear communication is vital. Leaders need to define tasks, set expectations, and establish deadlines to ensure alignment. Repeating and reinforcing messages can help prevent misunderstandings.
  3. Empowerment: Delegation goes hand in hand with empowerment. Team members should have access to the tools, resources, and authority needed to succeed in their roles.
  4. Support: Mistakes are inevitable, especially when team members are learning new responsibilities. Leaders should provide guidance, training, and constructive feedback to help their teams grow.
  5. Accountability: Regular check-ins and a robust feedback mechanism ensure progress is on track. Accountability fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Six steps for effective delegation

To make delegation work, Orienru outlined a six-step process:

  1. Choose the Right Task for the Right Person: Match tasks to team members’ strengths and competencies to ensure efficiency and high-quality outcomes.
  2. Clearly Define Tasks and Deadlines: Ambiguity leads to confusion. Providing clear instructions and timelines is crucial.
  3. Provide Necessary Resources and Authority: Equip team members with the tools and decision-making power they need to succeed.
  4. Establish Checkpoints and Feedback Mechanisms: Set milestones to monitor progress and provide constructive feedback along the way.
  5. Monitor Progress Without Micromanaging: Strike a balance between oversight and autonomy. Give team members the space to take ownership of their tasks.
  6. Evaluate Results and Offer Feedback: Celebrate successes and provide constructive feedback for areas of improvement.

The benefits of delegation

Delegation in leadership benefits everyone involved. For leaders, it frees up time to focus on strategic priorities and reduces stress. For team members, it enhances skills, boosts confidence, and increases job satisfaction. For organisations, it fosters a culture of innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.

Reflecting on his experiences, Orienru shared a powerful example from his own career. By mentoring a junior team member and delegating critical responsibilities, he witnessed their transformation into a capable leader. This investment in their development not only ensured a smooth succession but also strengthened the team’s overall performance and morale. Such examples underscore the long-term advantages of effective delegation.

Avoiding common delegation pitfalls

Tosin Kenneth, a BSN alumnus and reflector for the session, emphasised the importance of avoiding common delegation mistakes such as:

  • Micromanagement: This stifles creativity and undermines trust.
  • Lack of Clear Communication: Vague instructions lead to confusion and poor results.
  • Failure to Provide Feedback: Constructive feedback is essential for learning and improvement.

Kenneth also highlighted the importance of celebrating team successes to build morale and confidence.
Effective delegation is about achieving more through others by empowering them with trust, clarity, and accountability. True leadership is measured by the collective achievements of the team, not individual efforts. As Orienru eloquently stated, “True leadership isn’t measured by what you can do alone, but by what your team can achieve together.”

At BSN, we continue to explore the essential pillars of great leadership through programmes and initiatives like the “Good Morning BSN” series. If you’re ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, explore our leadership development programmes or contact us to learn more.

Take part in our Goodmorning BSN!

Join the discussion every Tuesday morning at our weekly global webinar Goodmorning BSN! at 08:15 am (CET).

If you would like to replay other webinars, check out our Goodmorning BSN! YouTube Channel.

Business School Nederland

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