Delegate Decision Making: Why ‘You Decide’ Might Be Your Best Two Words

Two of the most useful words a leader can say might just be “you decide.” Said at the right moment, they delegate decision making back to the person best placed to make the call, while freeing up the leader’s own time and mental energy for something only they can do.

Why Delegate Decision Making in the First Place

Every decision routed through an owner is a decision that owner has to think through, even if the answer feels obvious. Multiply that by every small question a team brings, and it adds up to a significant, largely invisible drain on the time and energy that should be going toward the bigger decisions only an owner can make. Choosing to delegate decision making, where it is genuinely safe to do so, changes that equation.

When It Actually Works

This only works when the person has the proper context on the situation and the skills to handle it well. Handing back a decision to someone who lacks either is not empowerment, it is simply avoidance. The judgement call sits with the leader first: is this genuinely theirs to decide, or does it need guidance before it can be handed over?

Try It Next Time

Next time someone on your team comes to you asking how to handle something they are actually equipped to handle, try saying “you decide,” and notice what happens. Most people rise to it. Over time, a habit of choosing to delegate decision making, rather than solving everything yourself, tends to build a more capable, more confident team, and a considerably lighter workload for you.

If working out what should stay on your desk and what your team is ready to own is something you are thinking through, we are happy to help. Get in touch with the team at MBP.