1. Unit Commanders Course Delegating Authority
Civil Air Patrol
Unit Commanders Course Delegating Authority
CITIZENS SERVING COMMUNITIES

2. By the end of this lesson…
You will be able to:
Define delegation of authority
Understand the relationship between authority and responsibility
Discuss the benefits of delegating authority
Discuss the “when, what and who” of delegating authority
Describe the action steps to effective delegation of authority
Describe the pitfalls to avoid when delegating 2

3. Modular lesson classification
This lesson is worth 1.0 hours in the Value/Vision category.

4. “The art of delegation is absolutely key”
Introduction
“The art of delegation is absolutely key”
-- Sir Richard Branson
Before showing next slide, ask students how they define delegation of authority 4

5. Delegation defined
DoD: The action by which a commander assigns part of his or her authority commensurate with the assigned task to a subordinate commander
Air University: The dynamic balance between a commander directing operations and allowing subordinates freedom of action
FEMA: The granting of authority in order for a subordinate to carry out tasks

6. Relationship between authority and responsibility
Definitions
Authority: “… the right to exercise control or command over subordinates by rank or assignment”
Responsibility: “the accountability for a particular task, thing, or person
Don’t worry, I’ve got this.

7. Relationship between authority and responsibility
The relationship between these concepts
One cannot have authority without responsibility
Authority is the power to act. Responsibility is the duty to act
Authority can be delegated, responsibility cannot be

8. Benefits of delegating authority
Benefits to the commander
Freedom to take care of more important aspects of the mission requiring the commander’s unique skills or authority
Can focus on the big picture vs. getting caught up in the details
Risk of personal burnout is diminished
Is viewed more positively by subordinates

9. Benefits of delegating authority
Benefits to the unit
Get more done in less time
Increases team capacity
Develops subordinates’ professional skills
Improved unit morale
Helps the unit to function more effectively and confidently during the commander’s absence

10. Benefits of delegating authority
Michael Hyatt’s 5-level system of delegation
Level 1: Do exactly what I have asked you to do.
Level 2: Research the topic and report back.
Level 3: Research the topic, outline the options and make a recommendation.
Level 4: Make a decision and then tell me what you did.
Level 5: Make whatever decision you think is best
Do exactly as I have told you to do
Research the topic and report back
Research, outline the options and recommend
Decide and tell me what you did
Whatever you think is best

11. When, what and who of delegating authority
When to delegate
When the time required to perform the task exceeds your time available
When the required level of expertise exceeds your level of knowledge
When the task is permitted by regulation to be delegated
When the task will not expose the subordinate to blame or loss in unit morale or other criticism for attempting to carry out your instructions

12. When, what and who of delegating authority
What to delegate
Authority to develop important initiatives and projects
Oversight of certain staff functions
Completing support details of a larger function

13. When, what and who of delegating authority
Who to delegate to
The subordinate that is motivated to do the task
The subordinate who has the necessary skills
The most qualified subordinate available to do the task
A subordinate with a background or experience in the task area

14. Steps to effective delegation of authority
Choose what you will delegate
Choose who you will delegate to
Clearly state and clarify the outcomes desired
Clearly define, communicate and ensure understanding and commitment
Allow the subordinate freedom of action
Monitor and coach
Accountability (yours and theirs)
Praise, celebrate, recognize, reward

15. Pitfalls to avoid when delegating
Incorrect task for delegation
Unclear directions and/or expectations
Failing to delegate developmentally by level
Supervising too closely
Improper selection of subordinate
Failure to monitor
Deliberate redundancy
Failure to anticipate radial impacts
Swooping in to “save” the subordinate
Assigning overall responsibility in excess of authority or control
Overwhelming subordinate’s work capacity

16. When done right, delegating authority develops and empowers.
Conclusion
When done right, delegating authority develops and empowers.
“If you delegate tasks, you create followers. If you delegate authority, you create leaders.”
-- Craig Groeschel

17. Unit Commanders Course