As a business owner it can be tempting to think you’ve got to do it all yourself to get it done right. Despite having a team around you, it can be hard to let go and to delegate those parts of the business you know you should be. Which parts? Well, a truly brilliant leader will do very little hands on work, instead will focus on managing the team and bringing in new business.

 

How to delegate

Here are five key tips to help you delegate more effectively

  1. Let go, and trust in your team

You know you’re good at your job, and with a clear vision of how you want the business to progress, it can be tempting to think that if you want something done properly then you’ll have to do it yourself. Learning to let go and hand the reins to other people is a tough one, but something that you have to do if you are going to succeed.

Yes, the other person may not do it 100% the same way as you, but if the goal is achieved then does it matter? And in some (rare) cases, someone else’s idea might actually be a bit better than your own!

  1. Empower your employees

This follows on from the first tip quite naturally, in that you need to place your trust in your employees and to give them the autonomy they need to go ahead and make their own decisions in their roles. Empowerment is about giving them responsibility, accountability and letting them develop their own skills. Do this successfully and you’ll have a group of dedicated and motivated staff who will add value to your organisation.

  1. Crystal clear instructions

Remember that your team are not inside your head. Unless you have meticulously instructed them on the finer details of how you would like tasks carried out, don’t be surprised if the end result is slightly different to how you envisaged it.

You need to make clear where you are now, and where you want that person to get to; a simple point A to point B instruction. The level of instruction you give on how to get there will depend on how experienced that person is, and whether you can stop yourself from trying to micromanage.

  1. Delegation is a two way street

Remember that as well as delegating down, you can delegate upwards too. Tasks requiring special knowledge or skills should be outsourced to get the specialist help you need.

Encourage your staff to delegate up as well if they feel a part of their task is beyond their capabilities or responsibilities.

  1. Invest for the long term

It can be tempting to think that you are better off handling everything yourself, particularly if you are managing a small business. From the outside looking in, it could seem like it will take longer to hire and instruct an assistant than it will to just get it done yourself, which is true, but delegation is a long term investment and a means of securing a better future for your business. Invest in the training and development of people around you and you’ll be rewarded with a stronger business in the future.