Delegation of Authority: Insights from Top Leadership Books

Are you growing professionally, but you have more and more tasks on your shoulders? Sometimes, it can feel like you’re drowning in your to-do list. After all, you have to control everything in your work processes, because you know exactly how everything should go to create excellent results. But you may already be on the verge of burnout. And perhaps sometimes you just want to run away from work. Does this sound familiar?

In this article, you will learn:

1. What delegation of authority is, and why it is essential for modern leaders

2. How to organize delegating in practice

3. The barriers leaders face when delegating

4. How to delegate in a remote workplace

What is the delegation of authority?

"No one is complete without other people—and we mean this literally." ― Emily Nagoski, 'Burnout'

Delegation involves granting lower-level employees the authority to act independently, within the limits established by the project manager. When managers delegate authority, they do not completely relinquish their power; instead, they distribute the responsibilities and rights necessary for specific tasks. This process helps reduce the manager's workload. Specific duties and powers are assigned to subordinates who perform functions on behalf of the manager. Consequently, the manager can focus on higher-level responsibilities.

The essence of delegation is to provide the performer with the necessary authority in independent decision-making, access to resources, and autonomy in performing the task while maintaining responsibility for the result. Delegation of authority must comply with the company's standing orders and all applicable laws regulating employee responsibilities and the level of authority.

Why is the delegation of authority crucial for modern leaders?

Forbes states that job burnout is at 66% in 2025. It's not just fatigue after a hard day — it's a state where a person no longer feels satisfied with their work and has no energy to do it. Constant deadlines, high workloads, and high expectations can all cause burnout. When a person is exhausted, finding the inspiration and initiative to work is hard, and it takes more energy than they have to be proactive and focused.

Demonstrate trust in employees

"A chronic state of restlessness or, worse, angst, anger, anxiety, disillusionment, depression—all of which lead to a life of hurry, a life of busyness, overload, shopping, materialism, careerism, a life of more…which in turn makes us even more restless." ― John Mark Comer, 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry'

Trust from management increases team members' motivation. Delegation of authority is one way to demonstrate this trust. If everything is done correctly, the employee will have responsibilities, rights, and the opportunity to influence desired outcomes. 

When the need for an employee's assistance is clearly communicated and goals are well-defined, they are less likely to feel as though tasks are simply being offloaded onto them. Instead, they will recognize their role as part of the team and understand they genuinely impact the company's operations. This sense of dual responsibility as a contributor and a trusted team member will motivate them for professional development.

Key components of the delegation of authority

​​What is the procedure for competent and effective delegation?

1. Assigning responsibilities to subordinates

Before the original delegation, the leader must determine which responsibilities to transfer to a subordinate or a group of subordinates. It is helpful to create a list of tasks and goals that need to be accomplished, and then share this list with the subordinates. In the initial stage, responsibilities are assigned to assistants based on their job roles.

2. Transfer of authority to accomplish the duties

At this stage, the assistant has the necessary authority to carry out the assigned duties. It is crucial for the leader to clearly communicate to the employee that this authority is specifically granted for the designated tasks. Granting excessive authority can lead to potential misuse by subordinates.

3. Acceptance of the assignment

At this stage, the subordinate either accepts or declines the delegated tasks given to them by their manager. If the employee refuses to take on the responsibility and authority needed to complete the task, the manager will seek out someone willing to take on the assignment. Once accepted, the delegation process is considered complete.

4. Accountability for managing the situation

The delegation process concludes when the subordinate accepts the responsibility for the authority assigned to them. Once the subordinate acknowledges the assignment, they are accountable for its execution and managing direct reports.

Common barriers to delegating effectively

"Perhaps you are overvaluing what you don't have and undervaluing what you do." ― Jordan B. Peterson, '12 Rules for Life'

Moderate control of work processes is a sign of a good leader who helps direct the team's work in the right direction and resolve current issues. Micromanagement is a dangerous management style that reduces team productivity. Super-control hinders the professional growth of employees and brings discord into teamwork. Other blocks that leaders often face include:

• Lack of trust: Some managers avoid delegating tasks, fearing employees will not perform as well as they would. This can lead to overload and demotivation. 

When there is no trust, it can make you feel anxious. 

Solution: Trust your employees, starting by giving them simple tasks.

• Incorrect selection of performers: Sometimes tasks are assigned to people without the necessary skills, which leads to poor performance.

Solution: Carefully select individuals, considering their skills and experience.

• Vague task formulation: If a manager formulates a task clearly, the employee may misinterpret it, leading to deficient results.

Solution: Explain the task, provide the necessary information, and set deadlines.

• Do not allow redelegation: This is especially true when employees are driven by emotions, fear, or insecurity about their qualifications. 

Solution: Do not delegate the task to another employee; instead, try to determine the cause of the problem and find a solution.

Delegation of authority in the remote workplace

The pandemic has passed, and the ability to work online has remained in many companies. So, how can you manage a remote team? How do you unite, motivate, and delegate authority in virtual teams?

• Set clear expectations and tasks

This is one of the most critical conditions for productive work. Set specific goals and discuss in detail the output and results of the tasks set, remembering to give precise instructions and set a deadline for completing the task. Discuss and explain quality standards and criteria for evaluating the work performed. Ultimately, when you and your employees have the same understanding of the tasks and overall plan, there will be fewer misunderstandings.

• Ensure constant communication

Effective delegation involves transferring tasks and timely communication with key stakeholders regarding expectations and progress. Regular communication, without exaggeration, is the main element of successful remote team management. Today, we have more than enough means, including video conferences, audio messages, chats, and email. It is essential to constantly interact with team members, share information, and listen to their views, comments, and suggestions.

• Applicability of the latest technologies

Overseeing a remote team is a demanding responsibility for a manager, as it requires fostering a sense of unity, inspiring team members, and efficiently delegating tasks. It’s a good idea to use platforms like Asana, ClickUp, and Trello. Such tools allow you to organize the work of one to several hundred people, set tasks and track their deadlines, control the workload of each subordinate, hold virtual meetings, create shared workspaces, share files, track their editing, and much more.

Step-by-step: How to delegate authority 

So, how can you delegate authority correctly?

• Choose the right task: Consider the skills and workload of the employee.

• Formulate the task: Explain what needs to be done, provide information, and ensure they understand.

• Delegate authority: Grant the right to make decisions within the scope of competence.

• Set realistic deadlines: Discuss and agree on deadlines for completion.

• Provide control and support: Regularly monitor work progress and help when necessary.

• Give feedback: Evaluate the employee’s work, note successes, and suggest improvements.

• Encourage success: Thank them for completing tasks and motivate them to continue working.

Effective delegation relies on trust in the person carrying out the task. A leader must have confidence in their abilities and competence while allowing them the freedom to act within the established framework of the task. Finally, maintaining oversight of the work process is vital without falling into the trap of micromanagement. 

What thought leaders say about delegation

Project managers are often very busy, which affects not only their enthusiasm at work but also their mental health and emotional state. At Headway, we offer a selection of book summaries that will help you maintain balance and entrust your work to others.

1. '12 Rules For Life', Jordan B. Peterson

In his book, Jordan Peterson criticizes people for lacking clear moral principles and calls for individual responsibility. To do this, he developed twelve rules that show the right path and help overcome the chaos of everyday life.

1. 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene

The book will teach you to prioritize, study, and understand people, control your emotions, and not say more than you need to. Based on Greene's 48 laws, this practical advice will help anyone who craves success and strives to achieve their goals confidently.

3. 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry', John Mark Comer

John Mark Comer's book is a Christian spiritual guide that encourages readers to slow down to live more deeply, meaningfully, and closer to God. The book calls for a radical re-prioritization of life, where being becomes the focus, not productivity.

4. 'Burnout', Emily Nagoski, PhD, Amelia Nagoski, DMA

'Burnout' is a book that deeply explores the problem of emotional burnout, which many people face, especially in modern society. The author and her sister Amelia offer strategies and practical advice on how to regain your strength, maintain balance, and learn to love yourself, even when all the demands and pressures around you seem overwhelming.

5. Equity', Minal Bopaiah

This book is about ensuring that everyone has real access to opportunities. This means changing policies, decision-making structures, and the distribution of resources and power in companies. It states that the key to fairness is leaders' willingness to delegate tasks, power, and decision-making.

If you don't read much because you lack time, try the Headway app, featuring collections of the most engaging books — short, clear, and useful. 

Delegation develops better leaders

"Never assume that the person you are dealing with is weaker or less important than you are." ― Robert Greene, 'The 48 Laws of Power'

The need to share your responsibilities is a sign of professional growth.

A good leader delegates wisely and values their time and resources. They invest in their team's development, teaching new skills and trusting their employees with responsibilities. A true leader shares duties and doesn't see themselves as the only one who knows how to get things done. Ultimately, great leaders are not afraid of competition; they lead.

Paradoxically, the effectiveness of delegation may decrease in the short term. This is because, during the initial stages, you will spend time training and mentoring others, leaving you with less time to focus on your tasks. There's no need to worry; delegation will ultimately free up your time from these tasks while achieving the desired results.

Master delegation of authority with the Headway app

We’ve explored the importance of delegation, allowing employees to develop new skills, increase their level of responsibility, and reduce manager stress. 

The next step is to explore the best books on leadership, delegation, and management in the Headway app. This is a convenient tool for listening to or reading self-help and business book summaries. In just 15 minutes, you can discover the main thoughts and key insights from a huge range of non-fiction bestsellers. 

So, download the Headway app today and see how effective it can be.