Managers, especially new ones, often find it difficult letting go of tasks and delegating work. Here are pointers on how to effectively assign work that supports your role and develops your team.

• Shift your mindset. Accept that you can’t—and shouldn’t—do everything. The more you move up in an organization, the fewer daily tasks you’ll take on. As a manager, your main job is to help your team grow, reach goals, and contribute to the organization’s mission.
• Decide what to delegate. Write down every task and project you have right now. Cross off “high-level” work—what is left? Delegate remaining tasks to your staff, considering their strengths and goals, as well as areas where they need more skill development. If you feel uncomfortable giving a project to one person, break it down and delegate parts or divide tasks among various employees based on their strengths.
• Communicate expectations. Your team needs to know what you are delegating, why they’re being asked to do it, and what you’re expecting. Set up a meeting to explain these points. This would be a good time to mention an employee’s strengths: “You are good at coordinating and tracking project details, so I think you are the right fit for this assignment.” Make sure your employees know the goals and timelines. Make sure they know what decisions they can make on their own and which require your consultation.
• Provide feedback. During check-ins, give your employee feedback and provide coaching or resources if necessary. If you have negative feedback, don’t share it immediately. Instead, start by asking questions that might lead them to their own conclusions. For example: “What went well from your perspective? What didn’t go as you hoped?” After hearing their thoughts, follow up with your observations.
• Review. When the project is over, ask your team members to reflect on the assignment. What went well, what didn’t, and what did they learn? This feedback might help you identify better ways to support your team in the future.

For more advice, read “Learning to Delegate as a First-Time Manager.”