Initiate a delegation conversation with your colleague

- When delegating to a peer, skip the direct language you would use with your team, "I need you to handle this," instead, start with context before making the ask. For example, "As I look at next quarter's training needs, I want to make sure we're being efficient," or, "Looking at where this process needs to live long term..." Then move to the delegation request, acknowledge their expertise, that might sound like, "Since you've built these client relationships over years," or, "Given your track record with similar implementations..." Highlight the benefit. For instance, "It would give you more direct input into how we handle X." Or, "This could help both of us avoid duplicate work." And finally, make it a discussion, invite their input. You can ask a question like, "Would it make sense for your department to own this going forward?" Or say, "I'd love your thoughts on having your team drive this." When you do this, you're framing the conversation in a way that makes the request feel both logical and respectful of their position and authority."