Which one of the following aspects is crucial for effective delegation?

Clear communication of expectations is a critical aspect of effective delegation because it ensures that the person receiving the task has a thorough understanding of what is required. This includes articulating the task's goals, deadlines, and any specific procedures to be followed. When expectations are communicated clearly, it reduces the chances of misunderstandings and mistakes, enabling the delegatee to perform the task confidently and effectively.

In addition, clear communication fosters a sense of accountability and ownership, as the individual understands their responsibilities and how their work contributes to the larger objectives. This transparency helps in building trust between delegators and their teams, leading to improved collaboration and results.

In contrast, the other aspects mentioned, such as providing no follow-up, assigning tasks without supervision, and making assumptions about the assistant's capabilities, can lead to confusion, lack of accountability, and poor task performance. These practices do not promote an environment conducive to successful delegation and can hinder both individual and team performance.