Whether you’re managing a single team or an entire organization, delegating well requires three things: clearly defining success and expectations, staying engaged along the way, and creating accountability on the back end, all while adapting to fit the context.

Where to Start

Resource Type
Article / publication

How to Get Aligned on Expectations

Setting and aligning on expectations is the starting point for all things management—whether you’re hiring, setting goals, delegating projects, or evaluating performance. Here are three simple steps for getting aligned on expectations.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Delegation Worksheet

Project leaders and managers: use this worksheet when delegating a new project or responsibility to get aligned on expectations, resources, constraints, and how you’ll check in about progress.

2 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

MOCHA: How To Assign Responsibilities

Try our “MOCHA” model (Manager, Owner, Consulted, Helper, Approver) to establish clear roles on projects.

8 min read

Additional Resources

Resource Type
Article / publication

Check Your Bias and Improve Results with PTR

Learn about PTR, a tool that can help you focus on what really matters so that you can mitigate bias and get to better outcomes.

4 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Examples of PTR in Action

Check out some examples of PTR in action, and how to manage towards your requirements with your preferences and traditions in mind.

3 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

MOCHA: How To Assign Responsibilities

Try our “MOCHA” model (Manager, Owner, Consulted, Helper, Approver) to establish clear roles on projects.

8 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Sample Email to Introduce the MOCHA Model

Here’s an email you can use to introduce our MOCHA model for clarifying project roles and get everyone using the same vocabulary.

1 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Defining Your Approach Worksheet

Project leaders and managers: use this worksheet to figure out how engaged you’ll be in a project you’re delegating.

2 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

How to Get Aligned on Expectations

Setting and aligning on expectations is the starting point for all things management—whether you’re hiring, setting goals, delegating projects, or evaluating performance. Here are three simple steps for getting aligned on expectations.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Delegation Worksheet

Project leaders and managers: use this worksheet when delegating a new project or responsibility to get aligned on expectations, resources, constraints, and how you’ll check in about progress.

2 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Debriefing Template

By debriefing at the end of a project, you can capture lessons learned to ensure even better results next time. This template will help you ask the right questions.

2 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Decide What to Delegate With Comparative Advantage

When looking for work you can delegate, ask yourself: what are the areas where you can make the greatest impact and leverage your strengths? Use comparative advantage to decide what work you should own and what you should delegate.

4 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Comparative Advantage Worksheet

Use this comparative advantage worksheet to decide what work you should own and what you should move off your plate, either through delegation or deprioritization.

3 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

How to Avoid the Delegation Boomerang

The delegation boomerang can undermine the work, your team, and your management. Here are tips for dodging it (while still supporting your staff member to do the work!).

4 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Delegation Boomerang FAQ

Check out these frequently asked questions about avoiding the delegation boomerang.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

How to Transfer and Instill Ownership

Someone’s feelings of responsibility and autonomy over their work is a crucial part of their success. Here are five tips for helping your staff person feel a sense of ownership.

4.5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Stop Micromanaging: A Guide for Managers

In this article, we answer a reader question about how to make sure the work gets done well without micromanaging.

4 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Probing Questions to Get Beneath the Surface

To help you monitor progress and understand how work is really going, here are some probing questions that will help you get beneath the surface.

1.5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

MOCHA: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we hear about MOCHA roles and implementation.

10 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Project Planning Template: Step-by-Step Guide

For complex projects, it’s helpful to have a written plan that lays out “who will do what by when,” including interim deadlines for smaller components.

2 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Common Choice Points

Here is a list of some of the most common choice points, or key decision-making opportunities, managers face that may have equity and inclusion impacts.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

“¡Así es como lo hemos hecho siempre!” (Una guía para usar el PTR)

Si alguna vez ha tomado una decisión—desde la forma de comunicar anuncios importantes al personal hasta lo que ha comido en el desayuno—ha utilizado el PTR. PTR, que significa preferencias, tradiciones y requisitos, es una herramienta que puede ayudarle a centrarse en lo que realmente importa para que pueda mitigar el sesgo y llegar a mejores resultados.

5 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Hoja de trabajo sobre la ventaja comparativa

Utiliza esta hoja de trabajo de ventaja comparativa para decidir qué trabajo debe ser suyo y qué debe dejar de serlo, ya sea por delegación o por despriorización.

3 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Hoja de trabajo para la delegación

Líderes y gerentes de proyectos: utilice esta hoja de trabajo cuando delegue un nuevo proyecto o responsabilidad para ponerse de acuerdo sobre las expectativas, los recursos, las limitaciones y la forma de revisar el progreso.

2 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Use Slices to Delegate Effectively without Micromanaging

A key component of the delegation cycle is finding strategic ways for the manager to stay engaged. This article helps managers and staff align on where to check in over the course of a project.

1.5 min read

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