I was speaking to someone recently who was struggling to let go and trust their team to step up and take on more responsibility and it got me thinking about delegation.
Delegation can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding shifts a business owner can make. It isn’t just about managing tasks and workload; it is a powerful growth strategy that empowers you to shift focus from the day to day to the long-term goals you want to achieve. It’s an essential component in scaling your business effectively. While it can be daunting to trust others with responsibilities you’ve carried for so long, letting go is necessary for growth.
In this blog, we’ll explore why delegation is critical to building a sustainable business.
Why Business Owners Resist Delegation
Many business owners feel that delegating tasks is synonymous with “losing control.” They’re often apprehensive about trusting others with crucial business functions, especially if they’ve built the business from the ground up. This can prove to be a significant barrier to growth.
Marshall Goldsmith’s well-known principle, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” also speaks to this reluctance. The skills and hands-on approach that may have initially propelled your business to success are not the same skills that will take it to the next level. Goldsmith emphasises that to grow, you must evolve, and learning to delegate is an essential part of that evolution.
The Mindset Shift: Leading with Vision
Simon Sinek’s philosophy on leadership, particularly the idea of the “Golden Circle,” encourages us to start with “why.” Leaders who know why they’re in business have a clearer sense of purpose and are better able to delegate because they understand the broader vision they’re working towards. When you’re clear on your “why,” delegation becomes less about offloading tasks and more about empowering your team to help achieve the mission.
Sinek argues that effective delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s about instilling purpose and direction. Sharing your “why” with your team helps them understand their role in the bigger picture and makes them more invested in the outcome. This is why it is also important to build a culture that aligns with the company’s goals. When your team is aligned with your vision, you’ll feel more confident delegating key responsibilities to them.
Identifying Tasks to Delegate
One of the models that we use here at ActionCOACH is the “6 Steps to Massive Results.” The first step, Mastery, focuses on gaining control over time, delivery, and standards. Delegation is a big part in achieving mastery, as it allows you to maintain consistency while shifting your focus to high-level tasks.
To start, create a list of routine tasks that occupy a significant portion of your time but don’t directly contribute to growth. Administrative tasks, customer inquiries, or minor project details can be handled by someone else, freeing you up to work on strategy, client acquisition, and business development.
Selecting the Right People: Building a Trusted Team
Once you’ve identified tasks to delegate, the next step is finding the right people for the job. Having the right team in place is the foundation of a strong business. It’s not enough to hire people who are simply “good enough”; you want team members who share your values and are eager to contribute.
When you delegate to the right people, you’re building trust within your team. This aligns with Marshall Goldsmith’s advice on leadership: people work best when they’re empowered to make decisions and trusted to deliver. Building this level of trust requires clear communication, accountability, and recognition of each person’s contributions.
Setting Clear Expectations and Providing Training
Delegating isn’t about handing over work without guidance. Setting clear goals and providing clear expectations, gives your team the framework they need to succeed.
For delegation to be truly effective, some training may be necessary. When you invest time in training, you equip your team to handle responsibilities confidently. This also reduces the risk of mistakes and instils a sense of ownership in each team member, reinforcing the quality of their work.
Accountability and Feedback
After delegating a task, follow up without micromanaging. Constructive feedback is essential for growth, both for you and your team. Establish regular check-ins where your team members can discuss their progress, challenges, and achievements. This helps them feel supported while ensuring that your vision remains on track.
Acknowledging your team’s achievements motivates them and reinforces a positive work culture. When your team feels appreciated, they’re more likely to take initiative and ownership of their work, freeing you to focus on higher-level tasks.
Long-Term Benefits of Delegation
When you delegate effectively, you’re not just saving time—you’re setting your business up for sustainable growth. Delegation allows you to scale operations without stretching yourself thin. By investing in your team and trusting them with essential responsibilities, you create a structure that can function independently of your day-to-day involvement.
In the long run, mastering the art of delegation fosters a resilient business, capable of adapting to changes and challenges. You’ll find more time to focus on strategic goals, innovation, and business expansion, rather than being bogged down by day-to-day details.
Ready to Delegate? Start Small and Build Trust
Delegation is a skill that requires practice and patience. Start with small tasks and gradually increase the level of responsibility you assign to your team. By trusting your team and empowering them to contribute, you’re not just lightening your load—you’re cultivating a thriving, independent business that can grow and evolve and ultimately work without you.
Embrace delegation as an essential part of business success, and remember: building a successful business isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about empowering others to help you bring your vision to life.
