SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-delegation-enough-authority

How much authority should accompany a delegated responsibility?

Give enough authority to match the responsibility.

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  1. None until the task is done
  2. Enough to match the responsibility ✔
  3. Unlimited authority over the whole team

Why: A person cannot fairly own a result without enough power to do the work. The boundary should still be specific so the follower knows where authority ends.

Huh, didn't know that: Follow-up checks results without turning the leader into a hovering micromanager.

The dad joke
Why did authority match responsibility? They made a powerful pair.
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References

Answer: Enough to match the responsibility. A person cannot fairly own a result without enough power to do the work. The boundary should still be specific so the follower knows where authority ends.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    the degrees of authority must equal the extent of the subordinate's responsibility
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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