The Four Levels of Delegation

As hire A+s and Bs hire Cs

- Hector Martinez

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Managers and employees are often confused by different management and delegation styles. Much of the confusion about delegation can be eliminated by following this simple framework about the levels of delegation. Be clear about what level of delegation you are using and why.

Level 1: Prescriptive

The manager will specify exactly what must be done and how it should be accomplished. The employee should be informed about the objective to be accomplished, the reasoning behind any decisions that were made and the purpose for the method of implementation.

Level 2: Make a Recommendation

Evaluate the alternatives, propose three alternatives including advantages and disadvantages and tell me which solutions you recommend. You and I will make the final decision together before execution begins. Provide regular status updates on the progress of the initiative and discuss any major changes with your manager.

Level 3: Keep Me Informed

I trust you. Make good decisions, take appropriate actions and keep me well informed as to what you are doing. Failure to keep me informed is an impediment to our trust. Just as I do for myself, I may evaluate the decision and make recommendations to improve future decision making. This is not me questioning your competence, this is you and I growing together.

Level 4: Fully Empowered

You are a master of decision making in the area I am asking you to manage. I know that your decision will be exemplary, the responsibility rests upon you to make sure it is. You have the right to execute in whatever way you see fit. Keep me informed so I am aware of what is happening.

Abdication is not a form of delegation. It is the responsibility of the manager to determine and communicate the level of delegation and follow up with the owner to make sure the initiative is being implemented correctly.