When a manager delegates a task, what do they retain?

When a manager delegates a task, they retain overall responsibility for the task's completion and outcomes. This means that even though the specific task may be handed off to another individual, the manager must ensure that it is carried out effectively and aligns with the organization's goals and standards. Retaining overall responsibility underscores the managerial duty to supervise and support the individual to whom the task has been delegated, ensuring accountability for any results or implications stemming from that task.

In contrast, while the manager may delegate elements of authority or decision-making to the person undertaking the task, they cannot absolve themselves of the ultimate responsibility regarding the performance or consequences associated with that task. This dynamic is integral to effective leadership, as it balances empowerment with accountability.