Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s work on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Many leaders struggle with delegation, often taking on too much while their teams wait for direction.

In their classic Harvard Business Review article, “Who’s Got the Monkey?”, William Oncken Jr. and Donald L. Wass explore this very issue. The “monkey” is a metaphor for responsibility—specifically, the next move in a task or project. And here’s the problem: too often, leaders take on monkeys that don’t belong to them!

The Monkey Problem

Imagine this: One of your employees comes to you with a problem. You listen, offer some ideas, and before you know it, you’ve taken responsibility for the next step. The monkey—originally theirs—is now on your back. Multiply that across your whole team, and suddenly, you’re buried in other people’s tasks while they wait for you to act. Sound familiar?

The Key to Delegation

Great leaders don’t hoard monkeys – they make sure responsibility stays where it belongs. Here’s how you can do the same:

🐵 Recognize When You’re Taking on Someone Else’s Monkey
If you’re constantly firefighting or solving problems your team should handle, take a step back. Ask yourself, “Whose monkey is this?” If it’s not yours, hand it back.

🐵 Empower Your Team to Own Their Work
When someone comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to take over. Instead, ask:

– “What solutions have you considered?”
– “What do you think should happen next?”
– “How can I support you while you take the lead?”

🐵 Be Clear on Responsibilities
Make sure ownership is well-defined. Instead of vague agreements like “I’ll look into it,” clarify who is responsible for what and by when. Keep the monkey where it belongs!

🐵 Trust Your Team 
Micromanaging keeps monkeys on your back. Delegation means letting go—not just of tasks, but of control. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities, and they’ll rise to the challenge.

The Bottom Line

Delegation isn’t just about getting work off your plate—it’s about developing your team, empowering them to think for themselves, and creating a culture of accountability. The next time a monkey tries to jump on your back, pause, redirect, and let your team take ownership.

So… who’s got the monkey in your workplace?

Wishing you the best!