Delegation

Delegation is the act of appointing another person or group, usually a subordinate, to perform a specific task or role.

For delegation to be successful, it should include the transfer of power along with the assignment—the authority of the subordinate to act on the boss’s behalf.

Lean starts a mass delegation of authority. Roles that were traditionally limited to managers and other professionals migrate toward the front line.

Commonly Delegated Authority for Frontline Employees

• They are instructed to stop assembly lines by pulling the andon
• They are asked come up with (and implement) creative new ideas in kaizen
• They are told to make on-the-spot daily improvements.
• They are encouraged to find waste and eliminate it.

To ease the transition associated with this delegation of power, leaders must make sure that the front line is properly trained to make good decisions. Managers must also work to improve job satisfaction so their teams will be committed to using the authority they have been delegated.