# Who's Got the Monkey

> A delegation framework that classifies tasks as boss-imposed, system-imposed, or self-imposed, metaphorically calling them 'monkeys.' The technique teaches you to identify which tasks belong to whom and find ways to delegate responsibilities back to their rightful owners.

- **URL:** https://hbr.org/1999/11/management-time-whos-got-the-monkey
- **Category:** Time Management Technique
- **Tags:** Delegation, Management, Harvard Business Review
- **Updated:** 2026-04-04 22:53
- **Canonical page:** https://timetrack.works/de/items/whos-got-the-monkey

## Details

## Overview

'Who's Got the Monkey?' is a classic management time framework originally published in Harvard Business Review. The metaphor of 'monkeys' represents tasks and responsibilities that need to be handled.

## Types of Tasks

- **Boss-imposed** - Tasks and responsibilities assigned by your manager
- **System-imposed** - Tasks required by organizational processes and policies
- **Self-imposed** - Tasks you take on voluntarily or accept from others

## Core Principle

Many people unknowingly take on other people's 'monkeys' — tasks that should be handled by someone else. The technique teaches you to:

- Identify which tasks truly belong to you
- Find ways to delegate tasks back to their rightful owners
- Avoid collecting monkeys that aren't yours
- Manage boss-imposed and system-imposed tasks efficiently

---

_This Markdown mirror is generated by Ever Works for AI agents. The canonical HTML page is at https://timetrack.works/de/items/whos-got-the-monkey._