In this episode of Leadership and Learning with Dr. JBT, we dig into one of the trickiest skills for leaders to master: delegation.
Handing off tasks isn’t enough. True delegation is about empowering people with clarity, structure, and trust. But as I learned the hard way, how we provide feedback after delegating can make or break the process.
I share a personal story about what one of my team members called my “seagull effect," swooping in on a project mid-flight, leaving untimely feedback, and flying away. It was a wake-up call that shifted how I approach delegation.
We’ll unpack three key practices to avoid the seagull effect and delegate with impact:
Give Clear Direction Upfront – Define the “why,” clarify expectations, and outline decision-making authority.
Agree on Checkpoints – Build intentional touchpoints that provide support without micromanaging.
Provide Confidence-Building Feedback – Refine work with encouragement that strengthens trust and ownership.
Key Takeaway: Great leaders don’t swoop in to critique; they delegate with clarity, support, and feedback that empowers their teams to soar.
🎧 Listen in to learn how you can turn delegation into a tool for growth, not frustration.
