Decide on delegate. Match the task to the individual.
Analyze individuals’ skill levels and abilities to evaluate their capability to perform the various tasks; also determine charac- teristics that might prevent them from accepting responsibility for the task. Conversely experience and individual characteristics, such as initiative, intelligence, and enthusiasm, can expand the individual’s capabilities. A rule of thumb is to delegate to the lowest person in the hierarchy who has the requisite capabilities and who is allowed to do the task legally and by organizational policy.
Next determine availability. For example, Su Ling might be the best candidate, but she leaves for vacation tomorrow and won’t be back before the project is due. Then ask who would be willing to assume responsibility. Delegation is an agreement that is entered into voluntarily.