Delegation Is Not Binary
Use the seven delegation levels to replace binary "own it or not" language.
The reframe: delegation is not yes or no; it is how far the decision right moves. Appelo's seven levels give managers a more honest vocabulary than "own it." Tell and Sell keep the decision with the manager. Consult and Agree create shared decision moments. Advise, Inquire, and Delegate move more authority to the employee. None of these is automatically good or bad. The question is whether the level matches the task risk and the person's readiness. Why levels reduce friction When the level is unnamed, each person invents one. The manager may expect initiative while the employee expects approval. Or…
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