Delegation · Manager scripts
What to Say When Delegating a Task
Good delegation is not “Can you handle this?” The employee needs to understand the outcome, what decisions they own, when you need progress, and when to escalate.
What to say
Full handoff
“I need you to own the client summary for Friday. The outcome is a final draft I can send with no missing decisions. You can coordinate directly with design and commercial. Check in with me Wednesday afternoon, and escalate earlier if either team cannot provide their input by Tuesday.”
Confirm understanding
“Before we close, tell me how you understand the outcome, deadline, and the decisions you own.”
How to handle the conversation
- State what “done” looks like.
- Name the deadline and any intermediate checkpoint.
- Clarify what the employee can decide without asking you.
- Define constraints and escalation triggers.
- Ask for a read-back when the task is important or ambiguous.
What to avoid
Avoid delegating with a long stream of hidden preferences and then calling it autonomy. If a constraint matters, state it before the employee starts.
What to do after the conversation
Use the agreed checkpoint instead of hovering constantly. If you need daily visibility, make that part of the handoff rather than interrupting unpredictably.
Note: These scripts are general management guidance. Follow your employer’s HR, conduct, performance, and legal procedures where they apply.