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Ever felt like you’re drowning in tasks and responsibilities? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: you can’t do it all alone. Delegation is the secret sauce to unlocking your potential as a leader and entrepreneur.

I recently saw an Instagram post from Michael Hyatt about delegation, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s all about clarifying expectations and empowering your team to take action.

Here are his 5 Levels of Delegation:

Level 1: Do as I say.

🔍 Description: This means to do exactly what I have asked you to do. Don’t deviate from my instructions.

Level 2: Research and report.

🔍 Description: Research the topic, gather information, and report what you discover.

Level 3: Research and recommend.

🔍 Description: Research the topic, outline the options, and bring your best recommendation. Provide the pros and cons of each option, then share your recommendation.

Level 4: Decide and inform.

🔍 Description: Make a decision and inform me about it. I trust you to make the best decision based on research and keep me in the loop.

Level 5: Act independently.

🔍 Description: Make whatever decision you think is best. No need to report back. I trust you completely and support your actions.

Here’s the kicker: miscommunication in delegation can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.

Sound familiar?

That’s why it’s crucial to clearly communicate the level of authority when assigning tasks.

By setting clear expectations upfront, you empower your EA to thrive and succeed. So, before you hand something over, take a moment to define the level of delegation. Trust me, it’ll save you time, energy, and headaches down the road.

Check out Michael Hyatt’s Books here. 


Micah Foster headshot, Co-Owner of Dream Support for executive assistants

Micah Foster, Co-Owner

Micah Foster is a partner at Dream Support LLC who has been providing remote executive assistants to busy leaders who need administrative and organizational help for over five years.

He has a passion for creating and maintaining positive and productive work environments and empowering people to reach their full potential.