Do we give our personnel the proper amount of authority to make decisions in their jobs?

Theoretically, yes. In reality it depends on the unit leaders and how much trust you place in them. I have work with micro managers and leadership deficiency in units, both are devastating to personnel. Sometimes it is best to let the lower level leaders amaze you, while knowing you will get in their business if they are not performing adequately. Also, ensure they know what is expected. Not everything needs to be upchanneled, only what is required by Reg and/or policy. A young leader can amaze when given flexibility.

I wanted the lowest persons to have ownership of their work and we minimized micromanagement.

Lt Col (Join to see) there is no way I could have managed to keep everything in order as a Brigade Commander without delegating critical tasks to others on the staff. I was blessed to have a DCO that was very sharp (successful business executive) and we worked very well as a team. I gave him full authority to execute on my behalf and he always kept me in the loop or bounced critical decisions off me that only I had the authority to approve. I was blessed with a great AGR staff and Miltech leadership that I felt comfortable giving authority to on a regular basis. The command team of Commander and CSM was spot on and the CSM knew that I supported his decision and authority with all enlisted ranks throughout the Brigade footprint. The key was solid communications up/down and laterally; and the understanding that certain items I had to approve and be involved in no matter what. I also knew the strengths and weaknesses of each of these key leaders and their positions. I made it a habit to learn and understand what made this tick. This made giving out authority a much easier and beneficial task. Ultimately, I would be held accountable for every decision made on my behalf, but I was confident in the team. It was a great working relationship for over four (4) years. I was very lucky to have such great Leaders/Operators within my command.

This was my second Brigade Command. I learned from all the mistakes I made in the first - and "Yes" we all make mistakes, but learn from them! That's another part of Leadership - growing based on experience (good, bad, or ugly).