
Delegation is when you explain to someone the results you want, by when, let them do it, and check in every so often.
Abdication is when you say to someone – “Here, you run this part of this business the way you see fit” (I don’t know how or don’t have the time or interest), and then let them do whatever they want.
When you let other people do your important thinking for you, like running a department or your whole business however they want, the outcome is out of your control. If you’re incapable, that may (unlikely) or may not (likely) be a good thing. If you’re capable but unwilling for whatever reason, it’s likely to be a train wreck eventually.
Run your business by design – one you create on purpose.