Strategic Coach Resources

The challenge of delegation.

As you spring clean your life, you’ll recognize some tasks that frustrate you or that you’re likely to put off until they turn into messes. The way to handle these is to delegate them.

For many entrepreneurs, delegation is a big challenge – making the transition from doing everything yourself to working effectively with a team of others. What makes this especially difficult is the knowledge that doing everything yourself used to work well for you. In fact, it may have been what helped you build your business to what it is. However, there’s a point at which it will hold you and your company back.

When you learn to delegate effectively to others, you’re permanently freed from your own limitations and weaknesses. You vastly increase your productivity. You’ll also increase your freedom to focus on what you’re best at and enjoy doing, and to spend and enjoy time away from work.

Obstacles to delegation.

There are several fears that can get in the way of delegating appropriately. For some, the idea of trusting others and giving up control is frightening. Some entrepreneurs are nervous about being dependent on their teams. Others fear that they’ll look bad if they don’t already know all the answers themselves, that it might be costly to involve more people, or that they’ll be left with nothing to do. After all this, it’s no wonder so many entrepreneurs decide that it’s easier to do everything themselves!

Effective delegation, however, is an investment with an extremely high return. When you master this skill, you multiply your ability to produce results. The more you see this at work, the easier it is to give up any concerns.

Three strategies for good delegations.

1. Avoid the “drive-by delegation.”
   • Take the time to clearly communicate the result you want created.
   • Clearly communicate the time frame and any deadlines for this project or task.
   • Answer any questions, and supply any necessary background information.
2. Delegate to the right person and give them what they need.
   • Delegate to someone with the right instincts, skills, comfort level, and attitude.
   • Others might take longer to do something than you would have. Don’t interrupt someone who’s focusing on getting your work done.
   • Let the person you delegate to know if you want them to do this themselves, or just be accountable for making sure it gets done.
3. Communicate about information.
   • Don’t come down with “Open File Syndrome,” in which you’re left wondering what’s happened to your delegations. Close the communication loop by creating reporting structures and letting team members know how much and how often you need to hear back from them.