Delegation for managers infographic: The easy 5 step decision process

Delegation skills don't always come naturally - especially when you're juggling your own to-do list and supporting a busy team.

But learning when to delegate tasks, when to take something on yourself, and when to push back is a key skill for any line manager. It's what helps you balance your own workload, avoid burnout and lead your team effectively.

This free infographic gives you a simple five-step decision process for effective delegation. It helps you decide what to do, what to delegate and what to pause - so you can focus on the right work, develop your people and keep projects moving smoothly.

Why effective delegation skills are important for managers

Good delegation skills are about more than handing work over. They're about making smart decisions that help you manage priorities, support your team's professional development and maintain a healthy workload.

Knowing when to delegate tasks, when to tackle tasks yourself and when to say no is part of becoming a confident, effective leader. It's a skill that supports both your wellbeing and your team's performance and productivity.

When managers delegate effectively, they give team members opportunities to learn new skills, take on more responsibility and feel trusted to succeed. In turn, this builds confidence, trust and better communication across your team. Plus, it creates better balance and frees you up to focus on other tasks.

A simple visual flowchart to help you delegate tasks effectively

This infographic helps you assess each specific task and decide whether it's urgent, something you can take on yourself, or if a team member is the right person for the job. It also encourages you to spot where certain projects could be valuable development opportunities for your team.

When you can hand over more than just a task - and instead delegate responsibility for a project or ongoing area of work - you'll not only ease your own workload, but also help a team member feel trusted and motivated. Delegating work in this way builds capability and confidence across the team.

To make it work though, it's important that your team feel supported from the start. Provide context, set clear expectations and schedule regular check-ins to stay connected and offer guidance. If training is needed, make sure you (or someone else) can dedicate the time to train them.