Management guidance on delegation and employee mental health

Management experts are highlighting critical leadership behaviors regarding delegation and employee mental health.

Regarding delegation, managers often fall into the trap of thinking, ‘It is faster if I do it myself.’ While this may ensure immediate quality and speed, it prevents subordinates from developing essential skills and keeps managers perpetually busy. To foster growth, leaders should implement a phased approach to delegating tasks rather than only assigning administrative or supportive roles.

In terms of mental health crises, Junya Honda, author of ‘The Complete Guide to Leader Behavior,’ advises on how to respond when a subordinate suddenly requests leave due to mental distress. Instead of immediately asking about handovers or procedures—which can increase the employee's guilt and anxiety—leaders should prioritize emotional support. Effective responses include acknowledging the employee's past contributions, reassuring them that they do not need to worry about work or immediate procedures, and explicitly stating that no immediate reply to the message is required.