One of the most important aspects of leadership in any
organization is the ability to delegate authority to others. Delegation is especially key for both
leadership development as well as maintaining a healthy work/life balance. At some point in a growing organization it
is literally impossible for one decision maker to make all of the decisions and
the sooner others are able to learn how to make decisions and handle authority,
the faster they develop the leadership skills necessary for both the individual
as well as the organization to succeed.
While these numbers, 10-80-10 have been used to describe
other processes or aspects within organizations, I use these numbers as
percentages that conveniently equal 100% to intentionally describe how to
identify when the leader and subordinate need to connect and when the
subordinate is ‘on-their-own’ in developing and coordinating tasks, projects
and ongoing processes.
10% Leader Directs
The first 10% is critical as it allows the leader to direct and clarify the objective, the scope, the resources and the time
expectations of any new project, task or assignment. For example, the purchase of a new piece of
equipment is task that is assigned to the subordinate by the leader. The purpose, function, use, and budget is
discussed as well as any important factors.
Both the leader and the subordinate utilize and sharpen their
communication skills as they discuss and
listen to each other as the purchase is envisioned.
80% Subordinate Collects
The middle 80% is the duty and responsibility of the
subordinate as the project, task or assignment takes shape. In the example of the purchase of a new piece
of equipment, various alternative products are compared, prices reviewed and
some initial negotiation takes place.
The subordinate may have already been delegated some authority to
purchase within specific parameters or from specific vendors. Alternatives, options, pricing and timing are
considerations that need to be fully understood, processed and ultimately
communicated with the leader in the final 10%
10% Leader Reflects
The final 10% provides the leader with all of the
information necessary to reflect on all of the information collected in order to make the right decision. When the 10-80-10 is functioning
effectively, a thoughtful and articulate recommendation is presented by the
subordinate that makes it easy for the leader to understand any important
aspects of the project, task or assignment and gives the leader the opportunity
to fine-tune any detail (i.e. color, timing, placement) either based on
preference or for standardization.
The 10-80-10 Delegation Model works just as well, if not
even better for ongoing projects and assignments. It provides for a quick review at the
beginning and the end of any cycle (i.e. class, calendar or fiscal year, purchase,
season). The advantage is that if
scheduled intentionally, it provides a framework for continuous improvement in
communication (both oral and written), process, and leadership
development. Leaders can have
confidence that they will have the first and the last say on all important projects,
tasks or assignments and subordinates get a clear understanding of the desires,
wishes and concerns of the leader.
