Intervention Method: Delegate

Delegation is one of the five proven upstander intervention methods that help employees respond to harassment or harmful behavior safely. Instead of acting alone, the “Delegate” approach teaches individuals to identify and involve someone with the authority or capacity to help—whether that’s a manager, HR partner, or trusted colleague. This microlesson builds confidence in asking for assistance, ensuring interventions are both effective and safe for everyone involved.

Microlesson Description

This lesson reviews the upstander intervention technique, "Delegate". Entrusting others means asking someone you can count on for help with intervening in harm.

Key Concepts

• Learn how to safely help someone in a distressing or harmful situation by seeking support
• Understand the three key elements of effective delegation in upstander intervention
• Discover how to build a trusted network of upstanders and allies in the workplace
• Recognize when delegating is the best option before involving additional authority or resources

This microlesson is part of Emtrain’s Intervention Methods microlesson series—five short, actionable lessons that teach employees how to recognize harm and respond constructively. These lessons are designed to make upstander intervention a workplace skill everyone can practice with confidence.

Each method provides a distinct approach for real-life application:

• Direct: Speak up respectfully to stop harm or start accountability conversations.
• Distract: Defuse tension and redirect attention to interrupt harm safely.
• Delegate: Enlist others—like managers or HR—to step in when direct action isn’t safe.
• Document: Record and report incidents accurately to support transparency and fairness.
• Delay: Offer empathy and follow-up support to colleagues who’ve been targeted.

Together, these microlessons help employees move from bystanders to upstanders—building a culture where everyone takes responsibility for respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.

Microlesson Features

• Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
• Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.

• Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
• A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.

Preview Microlesson