When should a leader use delegating?

• A. When followers have high competence and high commitment.
• B. When followers have low competence and low commitment.
• C. When followers have some competence and low commitment.
• D. When followers have high competence and varied commitment.

Answer: (A)

Delegating works best when the follower is ready to own the task, which means they have high competence and high commitment. With strong skills and strong motivation, they can perform with minimal direction and supervision, allowing the leader to step back and focus on outcomes and strategic alignment. This aligns with the highest readiness level, where responsibility is handed over and the follower operates autonomously. If followers lack competence and commitment, they need clear instructions and close guidance. If they have some competence but low commitment, coaching and support to boost motivation and confidence are more effective. When competence is high but commitment varies, delegation can be used selectively for the most committed individuals, but requires tailoring and ongoing oversight rather than blanket delegation.