Delegating the Right Way
Delegation is a key skill for any leader or manager. But it’s not just about handing tasks off — it’s about giving the right task to the right person in the right way. That’s where the LAITA method comes in. LAITA is a simple checklist to help you decide who to delegate a task to. Let’s walk through each step.
Logical Ownership. Sometimes the best person for a task is the one who already handles similar work. Giving them this task makes sense because it fits with their role. This avoids confusion and keeps things clear.
Ability. Next, think about whether the person has the skills and experience to do the task well. If they do, great! If not, ask yourself: Can they learn? Sometimes a task can be a good chance to help someone grow — if you’re ready to support them.
Interest. People do better work when they care about what they’re doing. If someone shows interest in a task, they’ll likely be more focused and take more pride in the result. Try to match tasks with what excites or motivates the person.
Time. Even if someone is skilled and interested, they may not have the time. Look at their workload. If they’re already stretched thin, giving them more work won’t help anyone — and may even lead to mistakes or burnout.
Authority. Lastly, think about power. Can this person actually make the decisions needed to get the task done? If not, you’ll need to either give them that authority or be ready to support them as needed.
Using LAITA helps you delegate thoughtfully. It keeps you from just dumping tasks on the nearest person and instead helps you choose someone who is more likely to succeed. That leads to better results — and a more confident, capable team.
Next time you’re thinking about delegation, run through LAITA. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
