The Delegation Canvas
Transfer meaningful ownership without dumping work or quietly taking it back. Clarify the outcome, decision space, support, and checkpoints in one page.
Choose the handoff
Choose meaningful ownership that fits the work and the person's growth.
Define ownership
Separate accountability, authority, and the boundaries around both.
Support without taking back
Stay available while leaving the delegate in the driver's seat.
Make the handoff explicit
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Good delegation makes the outcome, authority, and support visible before the work starts.
Choose a whole outcome
A list of disconnected tasks creates dependency. Give the person a result they can organize around, with a clear reason it matters.
Match authority to accountability
Someone cannot own an outcome if every small decision comes back to you. Name the decisions they own and the few that still require approval.
Make support specific
Offer context, access, coaching, or air cover. Avoid vague promises to help and avoid silently redoing the work.
Use checkpoints for learning
Agree moments to inspect progress and surface risk. A checkpoint is not continuous surveillance; it is a planned chance to adjust.