Do you ever find yourself thinking,
“I need to delegate more”?
I hear this from friends and clients all the time, but many of them are hesitant to do so because they’re afraid no one will understand their work or take it as seriously as they do.
But I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of capable and committed people out there who are willing to help. The problem is that many people don’t know how to delegate and are afraid to let go.
Delegation is an essential skill for small business owners who want to grow and scale their operations. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs struggle with delegating tasks to others because they
- fear losing control
- getting subpar results
- wasting time on training and communication
With the right approach and mindset, delegating can help you free up your time and focus on what you do best while empowering your team and boosting your productivity.
Here are some ways to delegate effectively and overcome common concerns:
Identify the Right Tasks to Delegate
Not all tasks are equal, and some require your unique expertise or attention. To delegate effectively, prioritize your to-do list and focus on tasks that are routine, time-consuming, low-value, or outside your comfort zone.
For instance, administrative tasks, social media management, customer service, content creation, or market research can be delegated to specialized or virtual assistants, freelancers, or agencies.
Select the Right People to Delegate to
Delegating is not just about finding someone who can do the job but also someone who shares your values, vision, and standards. When delegating, consider the skills, experience, availability, communication style, and cultural fit of your candidates.
You can delegate to employees, contractors, vendors, partners, or even family members and friends, but make sure you set clear expectations and boundaries upfront.
Communicate Clearly and Proactively
One of the biggest challenges of delegation is communication breakdowns or mismatched expectations.
To avoid confusion or delays, make sure you explain the task objectives, requirements, deadlines, quality standards, and feedback channels.
Use written or verbal instructions, visual aids, and templates if needed.
Check in regularly with your team and offer feedback and support as needed. Encourage them to ask questions, share updates, and suggest improvements.
Provide Resources and Training
Delegating doesn’t mean dumping tasks and disappearing. You still have a responsibility to provide the necessary tools, resources, and training to your team members to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.
This can include access to software, hardware, data, or manuals, as well as coaching, mentoring, or on-the-job training.
Be patient and supportive and allow for mistakes and learning curves.
Monitor and Evaluate Results
Delegation is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. To ensure that the tasks are done to your satisfaction and meet the desired outcomes, you need to monitor and evaluate the results regularly.
Delegating can be a powerful way to leverage your time and get help with areas of your business where you might not have expertise.
Remember that delegation is not a sign of weakness or laziness, but a strategic choice to leverage your time and talent and build a stronger and more resilient business.
So, don’t be afraid to let go and start delegating!
