In the article, “The Art of Delegation” Gerard Blair of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland says, “The objective of delegation is to get the job done by someone else.”

As a former school district administration I am all too familiar with the art of delegation. Now that I am retired with multiple sclerosis, delegation of tasks is not something I do often but there are times when I need to do it. Reasons for delegating:

1 – to preserve energy
2 – fatigue prevents me from completing the task
3 – cognitive issues cause slow or poor decision-making
4 – to release me from the stress of a decision
5 – to allow others to provide assistance where they are able

Blair also points out in his article, “To enable someone else to do the job for you, you must ensure that:

• they know what you want
• they have the authority to achieve it
• they know how to do it”

Communication of details is key. Delegating does not mean I am giving up control if I have given the expectations in which decisions on my behalf are being made. When someone else does something for me, I cannot compare their work to that of what I would have done. If the task is complex or legal, sharing necessary criteria and receiving input from those acting for me will help assure satisfaction for everyone.

I never delegate what I can do for myself unless I am preserving my energy for an activity coming up. Gratitude for those assisting me is first and forefront. I show my appreciation whenever I can.

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