Use this editable matrix to make recurring responsibilities and decision authority explicit. The two CSV files use the same 12 columns: one is blank; the other contains three completed fictional business examples.
Download the blank delegation matrix (CSV) · Download the completed fictional example (CSV)
What the columns mean
Each row specifies the responsibility, what starts it, what counts as done, primary and backup owners, decisions the employee may make, escalation trigger and approver, task deadline, review time, evidence and whether the assignment is Active or Trial.
When to review the matrix
Test the responsibility on a normal case and an exception. Check the first few actual outcomes before reducing supervision. Review limits when roles, contracts, spending authority, or systems change. Do not include sensitive personal or financial details in a widely shared matrix.
For choosing which work to transfer and agreeing on approval limits, read How to Delegate Tasks in a Small Business.