Research reveals how managers’ trust and empathy shape delegation, team performance and employee growth
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Managers with higher levels of trust in their team members delegated development-focused opportunities 11% more frequently than those with lower trust levels
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Low trust reduces promotion rates by 23% and limits growth opportunities
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Delegation decisions are most influenced by trust (27%) and development needs (25%)
New research from Mindtools and Kineo has revealed that managers who trust their teams are far more likely to create conditions for growth and development.
The study, The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making, surveyed 279 people leaders across eight countries and 51 industries, combining survey data with in-depth interviews* to explore how managers’ delegation methods influence workplace outcomes.
Findings indicate that managers with higher levels of trust in their teams delegate development opportunities 11% more frequently than managers with lower feelings of trust. Additionally, low trust reduces team promotion rates by 23% as employee progress and growth is restricted.
A correlation between trust and retention was also discovered, with managers who supported employees to make decisions independently reporting significantly lower employee turnover than managers who didn’t. This isn’t surprising, given that trust and autonomy rank among employees’ top priorities in 2025 (Randstad, 2025).
The research more broadly uncovered how managers make delegation decisions. While trust in their people (27%) and providing development opportunities (25%) were top drivers, other factors include the need for support (17%), perceptions of employee confidence (16%), time pressure (11%) and self-image concerns (4%). These results indicate that delegation is primarily trust and development-led, not self-serving.
Dr. Anna Barnett, PhD CPsychol, Head of Research and Insights at Mindtools and Kineo, said:
“Delegation is more than task allocation – it’s a powerful tool for growth. Our research shows that when trust is missing, managers unintentionally hold their people back. Promotions stall, learning slows and opportunities disappear. Building trust deliberately, for example by supporting independent decision-making, is one of the clearest ways managers can reduce turnover and keep talent.”
The findings emphasise that trust-driven delegation supports both individual development and organisational resilience. Organisations who invest in helping managers deliberately build trust, enable them to lead effectively which in turn helps their employees thrive”.
Download the study: The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making, part of the Building Better Managers series.
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About Mindtools
Mindtools, a global management and leadership skills development provider, acquired Kineo, a global provider of workplace learning solutions, from City & Guilds in May 2025.