Do you sometimes experience disappointing results when delegating?

Do other people delegate tasks to you with vague requirements or expectations?

Do you ever look at your to-do list and wonder what the heck you’re actually meant to do?

This is what happens when you create or delegate tasks without a clear task description.

The answer:

✅ Provide context in the description area when creating tasks.

It’s important to provide clear instructions and expectations. So, here’s an example framework that will help…

The CREDIT™ Framework

You can use my CREDIT™ Framework to help remember the 6 key elements of effective delegation:

Context:

• What is this task about?
• Why does it need doing?
• What is your reasoning for creating it?
• How does it fit into the big picture?

Resources:

• What is needed to complete it?
• Standard Operating Procedures?
• Reference files, attachments or links?
• What logins or access credentials are needed?

Examples:

• What makes them good examples?
• How similar should it be?
• What needs to be different?
• Where can more examples be found?

Deliverables:

• What format should it be delivered in?
• What structure should it take?
• What location should it be saved to?

Implications:

• Is it critical or just helpful?
• What are the potential consequences?
• What stands to be gained or lost?
• How should it be prioritised?

Time:

• How long is it likely to take?
• What’s the deadline?
• When can they get started on it?

Use this template

💡 TIP: If you use TextExpander or save canned messages, here’s a template you can use:

This task is about [[CLARIFY THE TITLE]]

This needs to be done because [[REASON WHY]]

The resources you’ll need for this task are: [[LIST THEM]]

The deliverables for this task are: [[LIST THEM]]

Here are some examples for reference: [[LIST THEM]]

The implications of this task are [[DESCRIBE]]

This should take approx [[TIME]].

Don’t overthink it, though. Not everything needs a big description like this. If the task is self-explanatory, don’t waste time writing a long description.

You’ll know when it counts.

If you’re creating a task for yourself:

1. Firstly, dump whatever is top of mind in the description area
2. Secondly, add any useful resources (such as website URLs or attachments)

Trust me, it only takes a second, but when you come back to it in the future, you’ll thank yourself!

(Or at least you won’t be kicking yourself)

📝 Note: Don’t overthink it. Sometimes, it might only be a sentence or a few words.

Give it a try!

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