Delegating vs Abdicating »

17Jan 2017 by Brad

Delegating vs Abdicating

Delegation by Cowardly Leaders seems to follow the general theme that has emerged within these posts. Cowardly Leaders seem to do too much of something, or little to nothing of that same thing. That brings us to delegating vs abdicating.

Delegating

We are talking about definitions, so I looked it up. Delegate (the verb) is: “To send or appoint as deputy or representative.” As a noun, it means, “a person designated to act for or represent another.”

To delegate authority to someone, which is how most of us use the term, by definition, means that person is representing you- you the person who appointed and sent them. Let that sink in. That person represents you. He/she acts in your stead. Although not stated in this definition, I would argue that the person represents not just you, but your views, your position, and your philosophy.

When Cowardly Leaders do too little

For discussion purposes, let’s say you are a County Public Works Director, and you send your Superintendent to a staff meeting. She still represents you, your leadership, and your position on department matters. If you are an elected official and delegate authority to another elected official or to a member of the staff- they are representing you, your position, your vision.

This issue is apparent and second nature to me, so it seems childish to discuss it. But then I see too many instances where it doesn’t happen, so it’s apparently not common sense for everyone. When you delegate, you MAINTAIN authority, power, and decision-making. The buck still falls with you. If your DELagate, whom you have delaGATED authority to, fails to represent you appropriately, you’re still on the hook.

Abdicating

But sometimes cowardly leaders really, REALLY, delegate. They delegate by abdicating. We often associate abdicate with a King giving up his throne. Actually, to abdicate is (I looked it up also): “to give up or renounce (authority, duties, an office, etc.) especially in a voluntary manner.” The definition specifies duties OR an office.

You have seen movies where a sentry falls asleep at his post, or walks away to meet with his girlfriend, or something similar. He has abandoned his post. He has also abdicated his duty. Abdication applies at any level, including to local governmental officials. Now we can compare delegating vs. abdicating.

When an official, elected or otherwise, shares his or her authority, that is delegation. Delegating appropriately is a sign of good management. However, when that official gives (not shares) authority and power to another person, then steps away, has no oversight, no guidance, no input, no veto, and allows that second official to make whatever decisions they wish- then she has abdicated her authority. That official has simply walked away from her responsibility. It can be abdication of something as basic as an important meeting. It might be something more important, such as a critical decision they simply passed off to a peer with no follow-up or oversight. Or, it could be what we typically think of- walking away from an office or position.

Abdication is rare. Most elected officials want more power, not less. When abdication does happen, unless it is the official renouncement of an office or position, the citizens and voters don’t know. A cowardly leader who abdicates his power does not want, or care, to exercise the authority he was entrusted with. We all suffer as a result.

When Cowardly Leaders do too much

Cowardly Leaders delegate in the opposite direction, also. Abdication isn’t an issue here- now our fearless leaders simply don’t delegate at all. This takes one of two forms: Either the leader refuses to allow any staff member or peer to represent him/her at a meeting, going to all meetings himself (or not going at all); or, he emails extraordinarily elaborate outlines to a fellow elected official or staff member explaining what can and cannot be said, how, and in what context.

Government officials (anyone, really) who practice this form are typically intimidated and threatened by the possibility of giving up authority. So, they simply don’t give it up. Rather than have an assistant, they decline. They are unwilling to accept qualified persons that could reduce the workload and accomplish more projects and tasks. They are threatened, intimidated, and do it all themselves. Or try to.

Managers who refuse to delegate authority to others are just as cowardly as those who abdicate their authority. They are afraid the delegation will be used against them, undermine them, even be the beginning of a way to take their job! They see shadows behind every door.

This kind of person mistakenly equates delegate with abdicate. “If I delegate my authority to someone, then I’ve shown my bosses I’m not needed. I’ve abdicated my position, and they will get rid of me.”

It’s ludicrous, but it happens.

The Right Way to Delegate

All great leaders delegate. They take all the help, staff, resources, volunteers, expertise, and knowledge they can get. They make sure everyone understands the message, the philosophy, the mission, the vision. In short, THEY SET A STANDARD! They delegate responsibility to their staff and peers, but hold them accountable for what has been delegated.

Great leaders follow up, they spread delegation to all appropriate individuals, and under no circumstances do they abdicate their authority and power.

If you have seen examples of misuse and abuse of delegation and abdication of authority, please share!

II-5

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