When delegating, what is a key factor to ensure subordinates are prepared for the task?

• A. The subordinate can do the job and is given the proper authority to complete it
• B. The subordinate's past performance is the only consideration
• C. The subordinate's schedule must be free of conflicts
• D. The subordinate can do the job only after rigorous training

Answer: (A)

Effective delegation hinges on readiness: the person can perform the task and is granted the authority to see it through. If someone can do the job but isn’t given the power to make decisions or access needed resources, they’ll be blocked, the task may stall, and safety or outcomes can suffer. Granting both the ability to complete the work and the authority to act gives clear accountability, reduces micromanagement, and keeps operations moving, which is crucial in fire service tasks that require swift, decisive actions. Relying only on past performance misses current capability; scheduling conflicts can complicate timing but don’t ensure readiness; and training matters, but without authority to act, training alone can’t lead to a completed task.