#316: Delegate your keys

Are you still on vacation? Good. Let’s talk more about managing from a distance.

According to conventional management wisdom you can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate responsibility. In other words, you may give a subordinate the necessary power to do something, but you will still be held responsible for the consequences.

Here’s the rub. This fear of being held responsible for someone else’s actions stops many managers delegating effectively. And from having a decent vacation.

Come on, people, have some faith. When you leave the office for an extended time, hand over your authority, your fear and your keys. I remember physically moving into my boss’ office whenever he was away. That way my colleagues and my boss’ bosses knew I was in charge and accountable.

Now that’s delegating. Actually, it was succession planning. My boss knew that he could not go on vacation unless someone could stand in for him.

Nor could he be promoted.



I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com

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