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Responsibility without Authority: “… sometimes I’ve seen someone with the responsibility for a task but little or no authority to execute. Some tactics to deal with this would be helpful. ” In that article, I pointed out the difference between responsibility and accountability by stating that responsibility can be shared, but accountability cannot. In addition to being responsible for something, when you’re accountable you, and you alone, are also answerable for your actions. You own the results. Perhaps I should start by defining these three words—responsibility, accountability, and authority—that are so often used interchangeably. You may disagree with my definitions, but experience has shown me that confusion around these words, and the implications of not managing for each of them purposefully, is a cause for dysfunction in many organizations. Defining each the way I have provides a framework to begin to create more effective communication, healthier leadership, and a culture of ac...

Dysfunctional delegation is   a delegation practice that can lead to confusion, poor work quality, and missed deadlines .   It can include:   Bypass delegation When a manager directly handles tasks instead of delegating them to the designated person. This can also be called "undermining delegation" or "managerial interference".   Displaced delegation When a manager assigns a task to a peer instead of the employee who is directly responsible for it.   Poor task delegation When a manager assigns tasks without considering the team member's skills, interests, workload, or goals.   Responsibility without authority When a manager assigns responsibility to someone without giving them the authority to do the job.   Other signs of ineffective delegation include:   Micromanaging, Unclear instructions, Frequent reassignment of tasks, Lack of feedback or accountability, and Employees feeling overwhelmed.