Assigning tasks can be one of the more difficult parts of leading your team.

It’s easy to assume your team members understand the task much better than they really do. Your team members need to understand what they are supposed to be doing, and why, if they are going to function well.

That means that, as their leader, you need to ensure they are clear about the context of any task you assign, what the purpose is of the task, why it is important, any background information that’s available and how it fits in the bigger picture.

Remember to convey any constraints on what they can do, when or how, as well as what resources are available to them to complete the task.

By consistently explaining the context, purpose and constraints, and checking that individuals understand these three things, assigning tasks to your team will go much more smoothly.