As the holidays approach, it’s natural to feel that year-end crunch — projects wrapping up, people taking well-deserved time off, and deadlines still looming. This is the perfect moment for a delegation tune-up.

Delegation isn’t just about getting work done; it’s about building trust, continuity, and confidence across your team. A little planning now prevents last-minute stress later.

Review What’s on Your Plate

Start by looking at your upcoming projects and identifying what truly needs your attention—and what could be handed off. Ask yourself:

• What tasks will keep moving while I’m out?
• Who is ready (or almost ready) to take them on?
• What can I pause or delay until January?

Focusing on what must be done helps you delegate with clarity instead of panic.

Clarify ARA (Accountability, Responsibility, and Authority)

Delegation often goes off track when people don’t know exactly what’s expected of them. Before you hand something off, define:

• Accountability: Who owns the outcome?
• Responsibility: Who’s doing the work?
• Authority: What decisions can they make without you?

Clear ARA alignment keeps things moving even when you’re unplugged.

Share Context, Not Just Tasks

Help your team see the why behind what you’re delegating. When people understand how their work connects to broader goals, they make better decisions and feel more ownership.

Provide links, background notes, and examples so they’re not left guessing. A quick 15-minute handoff conversation can save hours of rework later.

Create Checkpoints — Then Step Back

Agree on what progress updates you’ll need before you leave. Maybe it’s one check-in meeting, a shared tracker, or a simple Teams message. Then give your team space to execute.

Trust builds confidence. Hovering chips away at it.

Leave a “While I’m Away” Note

Before you log off for the holidays, share a short note with key contacts about who to reach out to for what. It helps your team shine in your absence and reinforces your confidence in them.

A Little Prep, A Lot Less Stress

Thoughtful delegation now sets everyone up to relax and recharge — you included. You’ll return after the holidays to a team that’s more capable, more confident, and ready for what’s next.