It appears that on a weekly basis, I consistently hear the same set of five words from both acquaintances and clients: “I should delegate more tasks.” Following this statement, they quickly add, “However, I’m doubtful that anyone can comprehend my work, approach it as seriously as I do, and execute it exceptionally well.”
Consequently, they refrain from handing over responsibilities, ultimately burdening themselves with everything.
Upon investigation, I’ve discerned that the issue isn’t a shortage of capable and dedicated individuals willing to assist. Rather, people lack the knowledge of how to effectively delegate and are hesitant to relinquish control, even slightly. This leads them to believe there’s no viable option.
Here’s what I propose as an alternative approach to becoming proficient at delegation:
1. Conduct thorough research. It’s essential to be well-informed about the skills required by the individual you intend to engage. Just as you would select a qualified accountant for tax matters, you should seek out expertise. If the task at hand involves delegating the setup of your newsletter, search for someone experienced with platforms like MailChimp, Constant Contact, or a similar tool.
Although it might seem obvious, I often hear solo professionals contemplate hiring intelligent friends, only to discover that these friends lack relevant experience upon closer examination. Just as you wouldn’t hire an intellectually capable friend who knows nothing about cars to serve as your mechanic, delegating your business needs follows the same logic—specific skills are indispensable.
2. Allocate time for planning. You must provide the person taking on the work with enough time to incorporate it into their schedule and complete it. This requires forethought. For instance, when preparing to compose my newsletter, I inquire with my editor on Sundays or Mondays if she’s available for edits on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. I refrain from assuming and sending the material straight to her. You also need to be prepared for potential responses like “no” or “not this week.”
3. Offer precise details. A vague inquiry like “Can you handle this?” won’t suffice for the person you’re delegating to—even if the task seems straightforward and self-explanatory in your view. It’s important to provide particulars, deadlines, and any relevant supporting information. For instance: “I’m ready to publish the upcoming newsletter. Enclosed is the Word document and the accompanying images. Can we schedule it for this Friday at 6:00 am?” Your instructions should be comprehensive, including due dates and guidelines regarding how you want the work executed.
4. Establish checkpoints for oversight. If you’ve assigned a project, schedule checkpoints to monitor progress and ensure that things are proceeding as planned. Sometimes, even when both parties believe they’re on the same page, misunderstandings can arise regarding the required tasks. Regular meetings will facilitate communication and allow for necessary adjustments.
5. Foster effective communication. Your collaboration with someone establishes a working relationship. I’m not suggesting you need to be best friends, but practices that function in your other relationships can apply here as well. A simple “Thank you, great job” or “How was your weekend?” can go a long way. Respond promptly to queries about the project to keep it on course and on schedule. Effective communication, whether written or verbal, is essential for your joint efforts.
My presumption is that in the vast majority of cases, the person assisting you is genuinely motivated to perform well. If this isn’t the case, consider evaluating these five points to pinpoint any areas where the collaboration might be faltering.
Delegating effectively is a potent method for optimizing your time and enlisting assistance in aspects of your business where you might lack expertise. When executed proficiently, it can yield substantial benefits for both you and your business.
Things I Can’t Live Without: My MacBook Pro
I’ve been passionate about technology ever since my early school years. Back when I was in grade school, my father introduced me to the world of tech by getting me my very first Apple computer—an Apple IIe. From that point on, I found myself using it for practically every task imaginable.
In my current business endeavors, my MacBook Pro stands as an indispensable tool. It serves as the cornerstone of my website, my business operations, and all the routine tasks that I handle on a daily basis. The absence of my MacBook Pro would translate to the loss of my website, my business, and the seamless flow of my day-to-day activities.
Feel free to leave a comment below and and share your affection for your laptop, along with your thoughts on how its absence would impact your life.
