For managers, figuring out how to stay engaged in a project without micromanaging can be hard. For staff, finding out that you didn’t meet expectations at the end of a project can be frustrating! That’s why we use the delegation tool “slices:” opportunities for managers and staff to check in on pieces of a project.
In our delegation and getting aligned worksheets, there’s a section for you to identify your slices at different stages of a project: early, mid-stream, and towards the end. If you have trouble coming up with ideas for slices, try asking yourself: are there aspects of the project that are new (in general or specifically for the owner), complex, and/or high-stakes? Here are some examples of slices:
Examples of Slices
What specific products or activities (e.g., outlines, data, drafts, etc.) should the manager review or see in action to monitor progress?
| Project Name | Early Slice | Midstream | Back-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics for an annual convening | A project plan and budget proposal | A progress report: confirmed vendors, finalized agenda sections, actual expenses vs. budget | A run-of-show with presenters and other helpers with manager present |
| Hiring for a role | A draft of the must-haves and what success looks like for each | A list of potential interview questions and job simulations | A progress report: an overview of candidates advancing to finalist interviews |
| Facilitating a series of workshops | A proposal for section outcomes | Manager shadows first workshop & provides feedback | Review second workshop surveys together & debrief |
| Running a day of action | An action proposal with strategic analysis | A draft plan for the day of action, including proposed speakers, mobilizations (if any), and safety/security measures | A run-of-show with marshals, speakers, and other volunteers with manager present |
Unlock your team’s potential and drive tangible outcomes by enrolling in our Manage Successful Projects training package! Gain the confidence, strategies, and hands-on experience you need to deliver results and lead projects with impact. Whether you’re a manager or staff member, level up your skills and start getting the most out of your projects today!
The Management Center is a 501c3 organization that helps leaders working for social change build equitable, sustainable, and results-driven organizations via trainings coaching, and online resources and tools.