When leaders stop delegating, they spend time making rules or deciding trivial matters, getting mad that staff isn't getting the job done and devising punitive measures. This creates a negative atmosphere for employees. When delegating is done well, employees act on their own initiative.

Three keys to delegating decisions are:

1. Resist the impulse to solve the problem yourself. It is sometimes easier to do this, but solving every problem yourself is exhausting and does not empower your employees.

2. When a leader is adept at delegating, she can focus on long-term goals. Staff will become more creative at making the day-to-day decisions.

3. Delegating creates a positive tone in the company, which encourages employees to take responsibility