Delegation Template
This delegation template ensures every assigned task includes the information needed for the delegate to succeed. It follows the five rights of delegation: right task, right person, right circumstance, right direction, and right supervision. Each section maps to one of the six steps in the How to Delegate guide.
What This Includes
- Task description field with prompts for expected outcome, deadline, and constraints
- Assignee section with skill match confirmation and workload check
- Authority section specifying what decisions the delegate can make independently
- Check in schedule with date, format (meeting, async update), and focus area
- Feedback section for post completion review and improvement notes
How to Use This Template
Fill In Before Assigning
Complete the task description, expected outcome, deadline, and constraints before talking to the assignee. If you cannot clearly describe the expected outcome, the task is not ready to delegate. Add the authority section: what decisions can they make, what requires your approval, and what budget or system access they need.
Review With the Assignee
Walk through the template with the assignee. Ask them to summarize the task and expectations in their own words. Agree on check in dates. Paste the completed template into the task description in your task management tool so it is always available as a reference.
Use Check Ins to Course Correct
At each scheduled check in, review progress against the expected outcome. If the task is off track, adjust direction early rather than waiting for the deadline. Update the template with any changes to scope, deadline, or expectations.
Close With Feedback
After completion, fill in the feedback section. Note what went well and one specific improvement for next time. This closes the loop and makes your next delegation to this person more effective. Archive the completed template as a reference for similar future delegations.
This template structures delegation following the five rights framework from the Delegation guide. Use it any time you assign a meaningful task to another person.