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Gofer Delegation vs. Stewardship Delegation

Delegation is the assignment of a task or responsibility to another person. It is a powerful tool that can help managers to free up their time so that they can focus on more important tasks. However, not all delegation is created equal. There are two main types of delegation: gofer delegation and stewardship delegation.

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      Gofer delegation is a type of delegation in which the manager simply assigns a task to another person without providing any guidance or support. The manager expects the person to complete the task without any questions or problems. Gofer delegation is often used for menial tasks, such as running errands or making copies. However, it can also be used for more important tasks, such as writing reports or developing new products. Stewardship delegation is a type of delegation in which the manager gives the person delegated with the task the authority to make decisions and take ownership of the task. The manager provides guidance and support as needed, but they ultimately trust the person to complete the task successfully. Stewardship delegation is often used for more complex tasks, such as leading a project or developing a new marketing campaign. Here is a table that contrasts the key differences between gofer delegation and stewardship delegation:

Characteristic	Gofer Delegation	Stewardship Delegation
Definition	Assigning a task to another person without providing any guidance or support	Giving another person the authority to make decisions and take ownership of a task
Use cases	Menial tasks, such as running errands or making copies	More complex tasks, such as leading a project or developing a new marketing campaign
Manager's role	Assigns the task and expects the person to complete it without any questions or problems	Provides guidance and support as needed, but ultimately trusts the person to complete the task successfully
Delegated person's role	Completes the task without any input from the manager	Makes decisions and takes ownership of the task
Benefits	Can free up the manager's time	Can motivate and empower the delegated person to take on more responsibility
Drawbacks	Can lead to frustration and resentment from the delegated person if they don't have the skills or resources to complete the task successfully	Can lead to mistakes if the delegated person doesn't have the necessary experience or knowledge

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets Here is an example of how gofer delegation and stewardship delegation might be used in a workplace setting: Gofer delegation:

• A manager tells their assistant to "book me a flight to Los Angeles for next week."
• The assistant books the flight without any further input from the manager.

Stewardship delegation:

• A manager tells their team lead to "develop a new marketing campaign for our new product."
• The team lead works with the marketing team to develop a campaign plan. They make decisions about the target audience, the messaging, and the budget. The manager provides feedback and guidance as needed, but they ultimately trust the team lead to develop and execute a successful campaign.

Which type of delegation is better depends on the situation. Gofer delegation can be effective for simple tasks that don't require much thought or creativity. However, stewardship delegation is more effective for more complex tasks that require the delegated person to make decisions and use their creativity. Here are some tips for using stewardship delegation effectively:

• Choose the right person for the task. Make sure that the person you are delegating to has the skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the task successfully.
• Provide clear instructions. Explain to the person what you need them to do and what your expectations are.
• Give the person the authority to make decisions. Let the person know that you trust them to make decisions about the task without having to ask you permission for everything.
• Provide support as needed. Be available to answer questions and provide feedback.
• Recognize and reward the person for their success. Show the person that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Stewardship delegation can be a powerful tool for managers to help them to free up their time, motivate and empower their employees, and improve the overall performance of the team.