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Delegating Is Not Dumping: While delegation is a powerful tool for leaders, it’s important to do it properly, and understand the difference between delegating and dumping.

Delegating refers to giving up some control and assigning tasks to others, usually subordinates. Delegating involves both the assignment or work tasks and authority to make decisions. This is critical. Delegating tasks without authority becomes dumping, and is often ineffective.

Dumping is different. It involves “dumping” tasks, often unpleasant tasks that are uninteresting, onto the shoulders of subordinates, or, assigning grunt work but not providing employees with the tools or authority so they can take control of the process.