Why Is Delegation So Hard?
Written by: Janifer Wheeler, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Could it be that our entire society is based on the concept of individual achievement and responsibility? This mindset leaves you feeling weak, embarrassed, or ashamed when admitting you need help. So, we don’t. We just keep slogging along, doing everything.
If you are struggling with asking for help in your business, keep reading.
Things you Say to Convince Yourself that you Don’t Need to Delegate:
It’s my work, and no one else can do it for me.
How can I be sure someone won’t mess up or make a mistake?
I don’t have time to teach someone how to do the task/job. It’s easier to do it myself.
You might be right about your reasons for not delegating. As stated, it’s not that easy. But the real question is: how much better would it be if you DID delegate?
How To Start Delegating
1. Make a List of Everything You Do in a Day
When you write down everything you do in a day, you’ll see all the tasks that are taking your time. When I first did this, a light bulb came on! No wonder I was so damn tired all the time! I was doing WAAAAY too much.
2. Classify Your Tasks by A, B, and C.
A= You must do it because no one else can’t do it for you.
B= You don’t mind doing it, but someone else could do this if you train him/her or teach them how to do it.
C= You don’t need to do it, and you totally hate doing it.
Now that you are aware of what you are doing and who needs to do it, the next logical step is to classify which ones you’re going to delegate and which ones you’ll keep for yourself.
3. Delegate your B and C tasks
Let’s talk about the B and C tasks. These are the tasks or activities that can be done by someone else because they are not “A tasks.” You keep those. In this step, it is important to remember that delegation isn’t just ‘letting’ someone else do your work.
Before you hand off any task or activity, clearly define and document:
What the task is.
Why this task is important to your business.
How the task should be done or performed.
What successful completion of the task looks like.
Due dates or deadlines for delivery of the completed task.
5. Evaluate, Communicate and Assign New Tasks
If you want to be an efficient leader and a good delegator, make sure to always evaluate what’s going on. Having your tasks documented will make it easier to make sure your assistant is following your instructions.
Keep in mind that it will take time for you to get used to letting someone do your work, especially if you’ve been doing it alone for a long time. Don’t expect mastery in minutes. It is essential that you provide ample time for someone new to learn, process, and ask questions.
Delegation is more than just saving the CEO’s time. It is the foundation for a long-term, sustainable business. Wanna chat about delegation? Check out our free delegation courses.
Janifer Wheeler, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Janifer Wheeler is a former teacher turned entrepreneur. She’s spent over 25 years helping schools & small businesses get their shift together through process design, internal structure, education, and workplace culture.
She started The JOYFull BadAss Business Academy™ to help other BadAss female biz owners win the burnout battle using JOY as a business strategy. Her work-at-your own pace courses are delivered via MicroText, making them easier to integrate into your daily routine.
Her clients have gotten trapped by their own brilliance and believe the hype that you must hustle & grind or you will never be successful. No one at the JFBBA believes that BS. If it’s not JOYFull, they aren’t doing it.
As an advocate for JOYFull alignment, she facilitates a process that ensures you are working in your JoyFull Zone of Genius more than you aren’t. And for the rest of the shift that needs to be done, hand it over to staff or an assistant.
It sounds scary ‒ giving other people control, but the JOYFull BadAss has your back. She will help you create the process, structure, and workplace culture you need to effectively and efficiently build a team that will help you avoid business owner burnout and realize the goals & dreams you set for yourself.
Janifer is an award-winning international speaker and facilitator who can infuse your organization, conference, workshop, or event with joy and BadAssery.
She enjoys connecting with people through her global networks that including Netwomen.co, Mums at Work, Amazing Women Alliance, The JOYFull Badass Network, Polka Dot Powerhouse, Brainz Magazine, FEM, and Entrepreneurs Rocket Fuel. There’s no limit to what can be done when we lift each other up.
