By Sandra Rowell: Associate of DISCsimple
Delegation
It’s one of those words that gets tossed around in leadership circles like it’s the easiest thing in the world. But if you’ve ever delegated a task and watched it go sideways or found yourself re-doing it late at night, you’ll know it’s anything but simple.
I recently worked with a business owner who was brilliant at strategy but constantly he was overwhelmed by day-to-day delivery. He thought he was delegating effectively but every time he handed off a task, it came back incomplete, off brief, or simply not done to his expectations. His conclusion? “I guess I just have to do everything myself.”
How many times have you heard that in business?
The real reason was he was delegating the way he liked to receive information; fast, loose, and to the point and believed from his perspective he had communicated his request in an effective way. His team, however, needed more clarity, reassurance, or collaboration instead of the fast paced, quick breakdown which lacked detail. That’s when we introduced DISC.
I have seen this so many times and that’s why I believe how we delegate matters just as much as what we delegate.
This month, I had the opportunity of discussing this very topic with Sarah Owen, Founder of DISCsimple, who reminded me of something crucial:
“Delegation isn’t one-size-fits-all. When we understand DISC, we stop handing over tasks and we start empowering people.” – Sarah Owen
Why Delegation Often Fails
Delegation isn’t just about giving tasks away, it’s about trust, clarity, and communication. And let’s be honest many leaders struggle with it because they haven’t taken the time to understand the person they’re delegating to.
We tend to assume others work like we do. If you’re fast-paced and action-oriented, you might delegate quickly and expect quick results. If you’re detailed and cautious, you may overwhelm others with complexity or second-guess their approach.
When delegation goes wrong, it’s rarely because the team is incapable. It’s usually because the handover doesn’t land well.
That’s where DISC becomes your leadership superpower.
What DISC Teaches Us About Delegation
DISC is a simple, practical tool that categorises people into four behavioural styles – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
Each style responds differently to communication, motivation, and yes, also to delegation.
Here’s how to get it right:
D Style – Dominance
Fast-paced, results-driven, confident
- Delegate the outcome, not the method.
- Be brief and to the point.
- Let them take control and make quick decisions.
Wrong way: Micromanage them or delay decision-making.
Right way: “Here’s the result we need by Friday. Let me know if you hit a roadblock.”
I Style – Influence
Social, enthusiastic, spontaneous
- Make the task exciting and people-focused.
- Praise them upfront and along the way.
- Let them bring their energy to it.
Wrong way: Give them boring, isolated admin tasks without recognition.
Right way: “This task will help us wow the client. Can I count on you for your creative touch?”
S Style – Steadiness
Loyal, reliable, supportive
- Provide clear instructions and time to adapt.
- Reassure them of support and routine.
- Avoid sudden changes.
Wrong way: Drop it on them last-minute or with little explanation.
Right way: “We’ve got a new process starting next week. I know I can count on you to keep us on track.”
C Style – Conscientiousness
Analytical, detail-focused, systematic
- Give all the details upfront.
- Let them own the quality and method.
- Avoid ambiguity.
Wrong way: Be vague or skip over the detail.
Right way: “This needs precision. “I’ve outlined the steps, but I trust you to add your usual attention to detail.”
Delegation Done Right Builds Trust
When we match how we delegate to how our team members tick, we see:
✅ Higher quality results
✅ Faster delivery
✅ Less frustration
✅ Stronger engagement
✅ Leaders who aren’t burned out
I see this play out in coaching and team development every day. When teams adopt DISC, it’s like flipping the switch from miscommunication to momentum.
Why This Matters in Real Life
If we flip back to that overwhelmed leader I mentioned earlier, once he adapted his delegation style using DISC, things changed fast.
He realised his S-style team member wasn’t slow, she was anxious about unclear expectations.
His C-style colleague wasn’t resistant; he just needed more detail and time.
His I-style assistant needed encouragement, not instructions.
And his D-style project manager? She just needed the green light to go.
Your Turn: Who Do You Need to Delegate to This Week?
Before you hand off a task, ask yourself:
- Do I know this person’s DISC style?
- Am I handing this over in a way that works for them?
Whether you’re leading a fast-paced sales team or a detail-driven operations group, DISC gives you the insight to delegate with empathy and effectiveness.
Delegation doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right tools and understanding, it becomes a leadership superpower.
If you’re ready to delegate with more clarity, confidence, and less stress let’s talk.
Book a DISC-powered delegation session by pressing the LINK or let’s explore how we can work together to support your leaders to raise the bar.
With thanks to Sarah Owen, Founder of DISCsimple, for her continued insight and support. Learn more about how DISC can transform your leadership at DISCsimple.com.