Summary: Delegation is one of the many keys to success, but it is, surprisingly, one of the weakest points for many leaders. Believe it or not, there are A LOT of leaders in small business who do not know how to delegate effectively. There can be a number of reasons for having difficulty in the delegation department, most of them related to the inability of the leader to relinquish control. A lot of leaders want to be in control of everything, but don’t realize that this mentality can sap time and energy that could better be spent moving them to the next level of success. If a leader fails to realize this, then they could very well use up all of their valuable time performing tasks that COULD be done by someone else. Since they are using their time on these things, the leader will usually suffer from an inability to grow, and will often feel pressured. They can also feel like nobody understands what is wanted or needed, and can begin to feel very alone in a professional sense. “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out.” -Ronald Reagan Key #1… Understand What It Means To Delegate Delegating a job to someone underneath you is not always easy, especially at first… but it is an essential part of growth, and you will likely find that you will be unable to move forward with any kind of speed if you do not have what it takes to turn a project over to someone else. Having said this, it is important that you do not simply delegate to delegate. This decision must be made with great care and professionalism. Delegating to the wrong person could be a catastrophe! However, if you do have the option to hand the project to someone below you who is capable of seeing it through to the end, then you will have the opportunity to TRULY realize how much power there is in the ability to pass things off to trusted employees or colleagues. This is what delegation is. You are giving something very important to someone who you trust, so that they can finish it for you. It is really that simple. You need to be able to communicate the needs of the project, as well as your need to be informed when certain milestones are reached. Delegation, if executed correctly, can free you up to do the things that you have to do. Being able to step away from projects that could hold you back is a huge bonus! Just remember, however, that great care must be taken to ensure that you are choosing the right person for the job! Successful entrepreneurs are GREAT delegators. “Managers help people to see themselves as they are. Leaders help people to see themselves better than they are.” --Jim Rohn Key #2… Surround Yourself with People You Can Trust If you can’t trust anyone beneath you, then you are just going to cause more problems for yourself in the long run by attempting to put them in charge of anything. This is why it is SO important to have good, reliable people around you. Delegating relies upon the existence of responsible individuals who you can believe in and turn to in order to get things done quickly and efficiently. Key #3… Don’t Micromanage Staying informed and on top of the situation is one thing… but micromanaging is something else. Never try to micromanage a project that you have given to someone else. This will just interfere with workflow, and will also cause your subordinate to feel like they are not trusted or appreciated. If you cannot trust them to do the job, then don’t delegate to them. If you CAN trust them, then do yourself a favor and let them have the authority do their best for you. Download a Free Delegation List Sample to help you identify more activities to delegate, by going to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/delegation-list-sample/. Key #4… Learn To Let Go If There Is Nothing To Worry About Delegating can be difficult for people who are always used to being in control. If you have good people underneath you whom y
