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Anti-Reverse-Delegation Card
When an employee returns with a delegated problem, don't take it — return it with two questions.
Goal
Break "monkey on the back" — prevent the delegated task from returning to your desk.
Steps
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1
When the employee presents the problem, stop. Don't pick up the pen.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
The employee leaves carrying the task — not you.
Evidence base
School: HBR / Manager's Time
Founders: William Oncken Jr. · Donald Wass (1974)
Oncken & Wass in HBR — "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?" The classic on reverse-delegation prevention.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Anti-Reverse-Delegation Card" take?
This exercise takes about 10 minutes, practiced with another person in a Inner dialogue format.
When will I notice the effect of "Anti-Reverse-Delegation Card"?
The employee leaves carrying the task — not you. In the short term: "Returned" tasks in your list drop 60%.
Is "Anti-Reverse-Delegation Card" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on HBR / Manager's Time (William Oncken Jr., Donald Wass (1974)). Oncken & Wass in HBR — "Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?" The classic on reverse-delegation prevention.
Is "Anti-Reverse-Delegation Card" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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