Interpersonal skills training through the establishment of a trust circle

Although the delegation of tasks is vital to effective management, delegation is a complex process about which headteachers often feel uncertain. An evaluation of a programme of primary school improvement projects provided an opportunity to study delegation in action. Project tasks were planned and transferred successfully to teachers. However, the quality of training, mentoring and feedback provided by headteachers to support colleagues undertaking these tasks proved crucial in determining whether delegation was experienced as a burden or empowerment.