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If not, watch me read it in the video below.
As business owners, we often fall into the trap of doing everything ourselves.
This is because deep down, we believe that we're the best at the job and sometimes even the only ones who can do the job right.
We were the ones who came up with the jobs, so it makes sense that we're the best at them.
The catch with this kind of mindset is that it almost certainly leads to burnout and it puts a very low ceiling on your business growth.
It's a common misconception that to maintain control and ensure quality, we must handle or oversea every task personally. And on the surface, that can make sense. But when you actually think about it, this approach is not only unsustainable but also a huge liability to the future of your business.
So this is where Delegation with a big D comes in. And when I say delegation, I don't just mean shoving things off your to-do list onto someone else.
When I talk about Delegation, I mean handing over ownership and responsibility in a way that it is both given, and able to be received.
In my guide, "The 5 Biggest Growth Mistakes in Business" I discuss the importance of delegation. Delegation done effectively means empowering your team and creating a culture of trust and responsibility. It's about recognizing that you don't have to be the superhero who does it all. Instead, you can be the leader who brings out the best in your team.
Why Delegation? So that you can do REAL work
When you delegate effectively, you free up time to focus on strategic growth activities.
As the headhoncho of your organisation, you have a unique viewpoint - one from the top.
There are certain high-level (visible only from your view at the top) tasks that only you, as the business owner, can do. These tasks include setting the vision and direction for your business, building strategic partnerships, and making significant business decisions. By delegating other tasks, you can devote more time and energy to these crucial areas.
The Benefit to Your Team
The benefits of effective delegation extend beyond just freeing up your time.
Delegation also gives your team the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute more significantly to the business. When you delegate tasks, you show your team that you trust them. This trust can boost their confidence and motivate them to take more initiative and responsibility.
Humans learn and grow more effectively when they have agency to make real choices and when there are real consequences at play.
Think of all of the huge, groundbreaking lessons that you learned when you were starting out with the business - none of these would have happened if someone was watching over your shoulder and doing the work for you.
Don't rob your team of that opportunity to grow.
Remember, your business is a team sport. And in any sport, the team that plays well together wins. The same is true in business. When everyone on your team is playing to their strengths and working together towards a common goal, your business can achieve more than you could ever achieve on your own.
How Do I Start?
So, how can you start delegating more effectively?
Start by identifying tasks that can be done by others or could be done by others with a little training and support.
It could be anything from administrative tasks to customer service to marketing activities. It can even be training and systems or process tasks - yes, you can even delegate the process of delegation.
Don't overlook tasks that require a skill set that someone else on your team has. You certainly don't need to be the only one to teach and develop.
Next, clearly communicate the task, the expected outcome, and the deadline or stakes. Make sure your team member understands what needs to be done and why it's important. Help them understand how this fits into the bigger picture and why it is important to get the desired outcome.
Provide the necessary training and resources, and be available for questions and support.
Finally, trust your team to get the job done. Resist the urge to micromanage. The moment you sense that they're getting the hang of it, stand back and watch admiringly. Be available, but don't hover. Bask in your new found free time.
By stepping back once a level of competence is achieved, you give your team the freedom to approach the task in their own way. This not only empowers them but also fosters creativity and innovation. Win:win.
By delegating, you're not just freeing up your own time. You're also building a stronger, more capable team. And that's a win-win for everyone. Delegation is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of a strong leader. So, start delegating today and watch your business grow.
Speaking of Business Growth, my business growth guide "The 5 Biggest Growth Mistakes in Business" is free for a download for a limited time and it's Jam-Packed with everything you need to grow your business without the pain - it's a must-have guide to growing without growing pains.
