# Learning to Delegate ![[Assets/11c6b8bbf2ddd72bf14cc7a3201b635c_MD5.jpg]] ## Metadata - Author: [[jaredl]] - Full Title: Learning to Delegate - Category: #articles - URL: https://www.inoreader.com/article/3a9c6e77e17dab3b-learning-to-delegate-pg-193-201 ## Highlights - Gofer Delegation is task-based. It operates on a “go for this, do that” model, requiring constant supervision and control. While this approach ensures tasks are completed in a specific way, it severely limits scalability. As Covey points out, “One-on-one supervision of methods…how many people is it possible to supervise or manage when you have to be involved in every move they make?” - Stewardship Delegation, on the other hand, is results-based. It provides individuals with autonomy and responsibility while ensuring clarity in expectations. Covey describes five key elements of effective stewardship delegation: Desired Results – Focus on what needs to be achieved, not how it should be done.  Guidelines – Set clear parameters without dictating every method.  Resources – Ensure the individual has access to the tools, training, and support they need.  Accountability – Define how performance will be evaluated and when check-ins will occur.  Consequences – Outline rewards for success and the implications of unmet expectations. - “Trust is the highest form of human motivation,” Covey writes. When leaders trust their teams, it brings out the best in people. However, this doesn’t mean delegation is a hands-off approach. True trust requires patience, training, and a commitment to development. Without proper preparation, delegation can lead to frustration for both parties. But when done right, it fosters independence and innovation. - One of Covey’s most profound lessons is that effectiveness should always take precedence over efficiency. While it may seem faster to complete a task yourself, the long-term impact of delegation far outweighs the short-term time investment. Leaders who delegate effectively multiply their efforts, enabling their teams to accomplish far more than any single individual could alone.