Delegating tasks is not an easy practice. It can take years in a management position to master the art of handing out tasks effectively in the workplace. It is important to consider the fundamental components of a successful delegation strategy.

1. Authority

The idea of authority originates from a position in a business or company and is at its highest at the top of management. Authority allows individuals to command their subordinates within the scope of their position.

In most cases, a superior will have authority over the subordinate. This gives managers the privilege to direct the workforce. There are different degrees of authority within a business or company, and this will determine the relationship between a superior and subordinate. The superior expects the subordinate to execute decisions and orders in a timely manner.

Every company has a chain of authority, which links all the respective job positions at different levels of the organisation together. This ensures that responsibilities are distributed evenly throughout the organisation.

2. Accountability

Delegation of authority allows an employee to act on their responsibilities. Employees who receive orders from a superior will often need to provide regular feedback on work that was done and should provide reasons for work that is incomplete. Even though the subordinate employee is accountable to the superior, the ultimate accountability lies with the superior.

The superiors will eventually be answerable for the final outcome. If a ship sinks, the crew is not blamed, but the captain needs to answer for the wrongs of a crew. Accountability cannot be delegated to subordinates.

3. Time Management

Time management and delegation work interdependently. Work cannot be delegated without the time necessary to complete a particular task. In the same way, time cannot be managed effectively without delegating tasks evenly throughout the workforce.

The elements of authority, accountability, and time management need to come together to ensure that tasks or projects can be distributed to the relevant department in a business or company.