Hi, David - great post:)

I remember (long ago and far away) as a young leader, i believed that being a leader meant being able to and actually doing it all.  I was finally brought up short by a more seasoned leader with a simple question for me:  "Are you working harder than anyone else to get this done?"

My first thought was "Of course, I'm leading the work", but after some quiet discussion, I realize that I was just doing, not leading.  Your three elements (and pitfalls for the unwary or unwise) are right on target.

The thing I continue to struggle with is the inclination to not just describe the desired outcome, but to describe in detail how I think that outcome should be achieved.  Many will happily let me do this, since it takes the employee completely off the hook and gives them a perfect excuse - "I just did what you told me to do."

This delegation thing is a bit tricky, but your thinking helps us all understand what to do and what not to do a little better - appreciate your sharing:)

John