What do you think?
Rate this book
Effective Delegation of Authority: A (Really) Short Book for New Managers About How to Delegate Work Using a Simple Delegation Process
#1 Amazon Bestseller in the Office Management, Nonprofit Management & Leadership, and Small Business Franchise categories"So many managers fail at delegation, a core essential for handling complexity in every organization. This quick read is a must for new managers -- and also for senior managers who are seeking a framework to help newer managers avoid the common mistakes."- Dave Stachowiak, Host of the ‘Coaching for Leaders’ podcast
Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed with tasks that you can’t keep up with? Are you struggling with the delegation of work to your employees?
Effective Delegation of Authority is a brief guide for new managers that will help you improve your delegation skills in simple steps.
If you’re a manager or entrepreneur who leads three or more employees, then this book is for you.It’s a super-short book that’ll help you avoid the common mistakes that new managers make when delegating tasks.
It includes a comprehensive step-by-step process that tells you exactly what to do before delegation, during delegation, and after delegation.
You’ll also get immediately applicable tactics that you can implement straightway with your subordinates.
Here’s a partial list of what’s
How to determine what to delegate to your employees before starting the delegation processThe method you should follow to decide who to delegate work to on your teamThe five traits that every task should have before you delegate it. How to describe authority levels the right way before you delegate workHow to avoid micromanaging your employeesHow to check in with your subordinates and give them meaningful feedback. How to avoid being too prescriptive, while still giving your employees a good description of what they need to accomplishThe most important thing you should do after you delegate a task to verify understandingSome examples of delegation to help you understand the concepts betterA downloadable sample delegation template and one-page cheat sheet that you can use as quick reference guides
The book is divided into three sections that will serve as your new manager
Section Before DelegationStep Determine What to DelegateStep Determine Who to Delegate to
Section During DelegationStep Explain the Task ClearlyStep Describe Goals, Not ActionsStep Give Clear Timelines
Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed with tasks that you can’t keep up with? Are you struggling with the delegation of work to your employees?
Effective Delegation of Authority is a brief guide for new managers that will help you improve your delegation skills in simple steps.
If you’re a manager or entrepreneur who leads three or more employees, then this book is for you.It’s a super-short book that’ll help you avoid the common mistakes that new managers make when delegating tasks.
It includes a comprehensive step-by-step process that tells you exactly what to do before delegation, during delegation, and after delegation.
You’ll also get immediately applicable tactics that you can implement straightway with your subordinates.
Here’s a partial list of what’s
How to determine what to delegate to your employees before starting the delegation processThe method you should follow to decide who to delegate work to on your teamThe five traits that every task should have before you delegate it. How to describe authority levels the right way before you delegate workHow to avoid micromanaging your employeesHow to check in with your subordinates and give them meaningful feedback. How to avoid being too prescriptive, while still giving your employees a good description of what they need to accomplishThe most important thing you should do after you delegate a task to verify understandingSome examples of delegation to help you understand the concepts betterA downloadable sample delegation template and one-page cheat sheet that you can use as quick reference guides
The book is divided into three sections that will serve as your new manager
Section Before DelegationStep Determine What to DelegateStep Determine Who to Delegate to
Section During DelegationStep Explain the Task ClearlyStep Describe Goals, Not ActionsStep Give Clear Timelines
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2019
72 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Read
January 2, 2026First book of 2026 is a 46 page burner for a work leadership training course - COUNT IT!
June 26, 2019
A lightning quick read that most managers could (and should) finish over a lunch break. There is not fluff or tired jargon watering down the message of the book. Rather, there is straight forward, step by step advice to improve the delegation ability of any manager. If you serve in a supervisory role, you should read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2022
A 30-minute to-the-point book about how to delegate. I read it to do it better.
The cheat sheet that summarizes all the main points: https://www.thecouchmanager.com/wp-co...
Summarized notes:
Before delegation
- Decide before engaging with employees what to delegate, as you cannot brainstorm this with them, because your word will be taken as a directive
- Start with small non-critical tasks. A good delegation relationship is developed over time.
- Look for leaders, who are looking forward to taking on more tasks. Ask to volunteer.
During delegation
- Set up a short meeting, as via written communication you won't know if the person grasped the task fully. As you build trust, you can move towards emails.
- Be super clear what you want, over-communicate background information, don't assume what they know. Verify understanding periodically ("does this make sense?"), ask to repeat back
- Describe goals, not actions
- Confirm their commitment: after explaining everything, ask "does this sound reasonable?"
- Set expectations that they are not expected to be perfect.
- Give clear timeline to minimize confusion and get things done. Give checkpoint deadlines as well, to make sure things are going okay, or to give time to review. At least two or three checkpoints per task, if it's a longer task then at least weekly.
- Set clear boundaries on authority, such as "The budget for this project is $4,700. You are free to use this money at your discretion for purchases without asking me first, however after you use up the first $2,000 I would like to do a budget review with you before the rest is used up."
- Establish guidance process: before meeting to you, they should 1) Think through potential options, 2) Come up with the recommendation, 3) Explain why this recommendation is the best. This saves time and helps them develop the critical thinking skills they need in their career.
- Always write down your request because details are forgotten. Use a template when writing down task details (also serves as a checklist for you), like this: https://www.thecouchmanager.com/wp-co...
After Delegation
- Don't disappear on your employee, check in even casually
- Don't micro-manage, it works against the point of delegation. Course-correct rather than take over to fix things.
- Give meaningful feedback, positive and negative
- Best feedback is to help them solve their own problems, asking non-probing questions like "how can we solve this?" or "how can we avoid this going forward?"
The cheat sheet that summarizes all the main points: https://www.thecouchmanager.com/wp-co...
Summarized notes:
Before delegation
- Decide before engaging with employees what to delegate, as you cannot brainstorm this with them, because your word will be taken as a directive
- Start with small non-critical tasks. A good delegation relationship is developed over time.
- Look for leaders, who are looking forward to taking on more tasks. Ask to volunteer.
During delegation
- Set up a short meeting, as via written communication you won't know if the person grasped the task fully. As you build trust, you can move towards emails.
- Be super clear what you want, over-communicate background information, don't assume what they know. Verify understanding periodically ("does this make sense?"), ask to repeat back
- Describe goals, not actions
- Confirm their commitment: after explaining everything, ask "does this sound reasonable?"
- Set expectations that they are not expected to be perfect.
- Give clear timeline to minimize confusion and get things done. Give checkpoint deadlines as well, to make sure things are going okay, or to give time to review. At least two or three checkpoints per task, if it's a longer task then at least weekly.
- Set clear boundaries on authority, such as "The budget for this project is $4,700. You are free to use this money at your discretion for purchases without asking me first, however after you use up the first $2,000 I would like to do a budget review with you before the rest is used up."
- Establish guidance process: before meeting to you, they should 1) Think through potential options, 2) Come up with the recommendation, 3) Explain why this recommendation is the best. This saves time and helps them develop the critical thinking skills they need in their career.
- Always write down your request because details are forgotten. Use a template when writing down task details (also serves as a checklist for you), like this: https://www.thecouchmanager.com/wp-co...
After Delegation
- Don't disappear on your employee, check in even casually
- Don't micro-manage, it works against the point of delegation. Course-correct rather than take over to fix things.
- Give meaningful feedback, positive and negative
- Best feedback is to help them solve their own problems, asking non-probing questions like "how can we solve this?" or "how can we avoid this going forward?"
June 22, 2019
A very concise book but full of management wisdom
Today (Sat 22 Jun 2019) is day 2 of Africa Cup of Nations 2019.
I started reading the book when the referee blew the whistle to start the first half of DR Congo v Uganda. Incidentally, when the referee blew the whistle to end the first half, I was just finishing reading the book. If you are a football fan, this means it takes me about 45min to read the book.
I heard about the book when I listened to a podcast of Coaching for Leaders, Effective Delegation of Authority, episode 413 with Hassan Osman, the author of the book. I was so inspired by the podcast that I immediately rushed to Amazon to buy the Kindle version of the book at only $2.99 (a great value for money).
I love the structure of the book: three sections (before delegation, during delegation and after delegation). Each section is divided in specific steps, each step in tips to use and each tip with explanatory examples. Straightforward and to the point.
The book is meant to "new managers". I am an experienced manager. I found it extremely useful. In my opinion, Hassan should used remove "new managers" from the books title and use:
"Effective Delegation of Authority: A (Really) Short Book for Managers About How to Delegate Work Using a Simple Delegation Process".
I don't only recommend the book, I also recommend the podcast:
https://coachingforleaders.com/podcas...
The rating 5 stars is fully deserved for this really excellent book.
Today (Sat 22 Jun 2019) is day 2 of Africa Cup of Nations 2019.
I started reading the book when the referee blew the whistle to start the first half of DR Congo v Uganda. Incidentally, when the referee blew the whistle to end the first half, I was just finishing reading the book. If you are a football fan, this means it takes me about 45min to read the book.
I heard about the book when I listened to a podcast of Coaching for Leaders, Effective Delegation of Authority, episode 413 with Hassan Osman, the author of the book. I was so inspired by the podcast that I immediately rushed to Amazon to buy the Kindle version of the book at only $2.99 (a great value for money).
I love the structure of the book: three sections (before delegation, during delegation and after delegation). Each section is divided in specific steps, each step in tips to use and each tip with explanatory examples. Straightforward and to the point.
The book is meant to "new managers". I am an experienced manager. I found it extremely useful. In my opinion, Hassan should used remove "new managers" from the books title and use:
"Effective Delegation of Authority: A (Really) Short Book for Managers About How to Delegate Work Using a Simple Delegation Process".
I don't only recommend the book, I also recommend the podcast:
https://coachingforleaders.com/podcas...
The rating 5 stars is fully deserved for this really excellent book.
May 17, 2019
This book delivers exactly what it says. It is perfectly on point showing managers—new or not—how to effectively delegate in simple, easily actionable steps. The book is simply organized, with the main sections on what to do before, during, and after delegation. The author has even provided a template and a cheat sheet. I have delegated before in businesses I have run or have helped run, and I plan to do so in the future more extensively. This is the perfect reminder of how to make the most of delegation, designing it to be a win-win for both sides. If you are in need of a book on this topic, this 30-minute read will get you on your way. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 17, 2019
Hassan Osman's Effective Delegation of Authority is an extremely helpful tool in learning how to assign tasks to your subordinates.
They break it down in simple language and make it really easy to follow by eliminating buzzwords and jargon and explaining things as a real human being, rather than writing like a management drone.
If you're looking for a quick read on the topic of delegating, this is definitely were I would point you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They break it down in simple language and make it really easy to follow by eliminating buzzwords and jargon and explaining things as a real human being, rather than writing like a management drone.
If you're looking for a quick read on the topic of delegating, this is definitely were I would point you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2020
It’s a quick read for all the new managers who are just starting out their career as managers. You’ll learn some good tips and since it’s a small handbook, you can complete it in just one sitting, having said this doesn’t mean it’s just any book, the author has justified the book title very smartly and shared some wonderful tips.
September 23, 2020
Solid foundation
This book provides a basic fundamental framework for delegation. The steps when followed lead to success. Too often, the written step is skipped and leads to failure.
This book provides a basic fundamental framework for delegation. The steps when followed lead to success. Too often, the written step is skipped and leads to failure.
October 22, 2020
Very useful & practical tips
Recommend to new manager as this books provide step by step practical advices & examples on how you can delegate works to your team member. A quick read and I like the book as it is straight forward instead of theoretical content.
Recommend to new manager as this books provide step by step practical advices & examples on how you can delegate works to your team member. A quick read and I like the book as it is straight forward instead of theoretical content.
December 8, 2020
I picked up this book at the request of a client based upon the reviews. It's painfully short to the point it would be better as a few blog posts.
I know it says "really short" and I feel dumb for not taking that more literally - jokes on me.
I know it says "really short" and I feel dumb for not taking that more literally - jokes on me.
June 8, 2021
Indispensable for new managers
I recommend this book to everyone starting a management career and even managers looking to improve their craft by following a consistent delegation framework.
I recommend this book to everyone starting a management career and even managers looking to improve their craft by following a consistent delegation framework.
October 18, 2021
Really short - most of it is common sense but it’s good to validate what I’ve been doing. Biggest takeaways for me are to not cut corners; always set up a meeting for the delegation and send a written recap. Was hoping this would give more insight into how to influence.
July 24, 2025
Great delegation resource
This is a great resource for new managers and those who resist delegation tasks for fear of failure.
It's a quick read with easy to apply advice.
Certainly worth the time to invest in your team and your sanity.
This is a great resource for new managers and those who resist delegation tasks for fear of failure.
It's a quick read with easy to apply advice.
Certainly worth the time to invest in your team and your sanity.
July 24, 2019
This was one quick and enjoyable read.
The book is all it promises to be: concise and fast to read, clear, comprehensive and informative, to the point.
It is structured very well. It provides not only the information on the process of delegating, but also some explanations and examples. Considering the volume of the book, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Additionally, the book offers bonus materials for reader's future use.
As an experienced project manager I have found this book very useful and I think that I'll be using its highly concentrated wisdom in my day-to day work. This book can be an excellent quick guide for both new managers who need to learn a new skill, and experienced managers who want to quickly brush up on the subject matter.
I look forward to reading some of the author's other works.
--
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is all it promises to be: concise and fast to read, clear, comprehensive and informative, to the point.
It is structured very well. It provides not only the information on the process of delegating, but also some explanations and examples. Considering the volume of the book, this is quite a remarkable achievement. Additionally, the book offers bonus materials for reader's future use.
As an experienced project manager I have found this book very useful and I think that I'll be using its highly concentrated wisdom in my day-to day work. This book can be an excellent quick guide for both new managers who need to learn a new skill, and experienced managers who want to quickly brush up on the subject matter.
I look forward to reading some of the author's other works.
--
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2020
Shortest book I have ever read. Focuses on one idea and deliveres it well.
October 25, 2020
This a great book on delgation. If you know someone who struggles with delegating I highly recommend it. Its also good if you have been delegating for a while but want to improve your skills.
July 9, 2021
Great overview! Highly recommended if you want to get the 20% that give you 80% of the results when it comes to delegation.
November 6, 2021
Very simple yet effective
March 13, 2022
Really good breakdown of delegation
Thoroughly enjoyed this straightforward and clear description of delegation. There is enough in this book to become comfortable with delegation.
Thoroughly enjoyed this straightforward and clear description of delegation. There is enough in this book to become comfortable with delegation.
March 15, 2022
Short, straight to the point and very insightful. I especially liked how actionable it was and the examples and templates shared in the book.
June 24, 2022
Short and to the point. Immediately useful.
Read
June 28, 2023Don't know what to rate it till I use the info, but all and all seemed nice
January 5, 2024
Surprisingly refreshing. Presents a clear way of delegating business tasks to subordinates.
April 10, 2024
Very straightforward, which is nice.
July 17, 2024
A very quick read that can assist in managing and delegating to success.
December 26, 2024
Short Helpful Book
I found a few insights on delegation, so overall it was helpful. I do think there are more insightful books out there. I'd recommend this for beginner managers.
I found a few insights on delegation, so overall it was helpful. I do think there are more insightful books out there. I'd recommend this for beginner managers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews