by Jay Chen
I had the privilege of attending Michael Iannini‘s workshop, Delegating Effectively, during the inaugural LYIS25 conference on March 28th. Michael’s session offered valuable insights into a crucial aspect of leadership: the difference between dumping and delegating.
As a principal, I have often found myself unintentionally falling into the trap of “dumping” tasks onto my team rather than delegating them with thoughtful guidance. Michael’s workshop clarified this distinction, emphasising that while both may seem like ways of getting things done, the process and passion behind each approach are vastly different. “Dumping” implies giving a direct order, often without considering the support or motivation needed, while delegating is about providing the necessary guidance and empowering individuals to succeed.
Reflecting on my own leadership experiences, I recognized how easy it is to confuse the two. Recently, I offered a teacher a leadership opportunity, expecting it to be well-received, only to find a lack of enthusiasm. This was a wake-up call, as I realized that I had fallen into the trap of “dumping” a task rather than delegating it effectively. The key takeaway from the session was understanding the question: “What’s in it for me?”—a reminder that we, as leaders, should always consider the personal benefit and growth opportunities for those we are delegating tasks to.
Michael also shared three real-world scenarios that illustrated how delegating and dumping could play out differently. One particularly impactful example was of a less-experienced teacher being assigned a task without the proper preparation or support. While it’s easy to place blame on the teacher, Michael reminded us that as leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure the necessary support and guidance are provided for success.
In conclusion, Michael’s workshop was a refreshing and insightful experience, reminding us of the critical role we play in fostering growth and development within our teams. His expertise, combined with his lighthearted sense of humour, made the session both engaging and thought-provoking. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my own leadership practices, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn from someone so skilled in the field.
by Jay Chen, Canadian Secondary Principal, Huamei-Bond International College
