Today’s best managers know how to delegate effectively to people who work for them. First, tell the employee exactly what it is that you would like them to do. Second, give them appropriate resources, guidelines, and expectations to get the job done. Third, tell employees exactly when the work must be finished. Fourth, if the due date is a long time away, then periodically follow up on the employee’s progress toward completing the assignment. Following up lets you see that work is being done correctly, and gives the employee opportunities to ask you questions.
Source: Berman, E. L. 2007, July/August. Know how to delegate. Industrial Management, 6-7.