I don't think Machiavelli would actually disagree with you to any large extent (although he does not consider delegation here). He writes:

A prince, therefore, ought always to take counsel, but only when he wishes and not when others wish; he ought rather to discourage every one from offering advice unless he asks it; but, however, he ought to be a constant inquirer, and afterwards a patient listener concerning the things of which he inquired; also, on learning that any one, on any consideration, has not told him the truth, he should let his anger be felt.

There's also an OB discussion about why taking advice might lower your status.