Why 'Any Questions?' Is Killing Your Delegation Success

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I learned something transformative about delegation recently that completely changed my approach to leadership. For years, I'd been doing what most leaders do – delegating tasks and ending with the classic "Let me know if you have any questions." I thought I was being approachable and supportive. I was wrong.

Here's what I discovered: team members rarely come back with questions, even when they have them. They want to appear capable and don't want to burden their leaders. This creates a silent gap where misunderstandings can flourish.

"Team members often avoid asking questions to appear capable, even when they need clarification."

The game-changer? Instead of asking for questions, I now ask team members to walk me through their planned approach. It's simple but powerful. After explaining the task, I say something like, "Tell me how you're planning to tackle this" or "What are your first few steps going to be?"

The difference has been remarkable. Team members engage more deeply with the task right from the start. They have to visualize their approach, which often naturally surfaces questions or uncertainties. Plus, I get immediate insight into whether my delegation was clear and complete.

This small change has led to better execution, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger development of my team members. Sometimes the smallest shifts in approach create the biggest impact.

How do you currently verify understanding after delegating tasks? I would love to discuss this with you. Schedule a complimentary Coffee Chat with me!

Cheering you on!
Coach Heather