Renowned and successful businessman Eli Broad once said, “The inability to delegate is one of the biggest problems I see with managers at all levels.” This got me thinking. He points out that this is an issue for leaders in all phases of their careers. Why is it so hard?
One of the most interesting topics we cover in our McCombs “Women Who Mean Business” coursework is knowing your strengths and delegating what you are not good at to others who can do it better. It allows you to soar and find your true purpose rather than constantly beating yourself up for the things you just naturally do not do well. These can be tasks related to your work or personal life—such as home repairs, picking up your children from daycare, and the list goes on.
When we can give ourselves some perspective and see that we do not have to do everything to be valued, then we can make some real progress. How many times have you said, “Oh well, I’ll just do it myself,” because it takes time to organize and define a task to delegate? Other pitfalls are a fear of losing control, or that the task will not be done to our standards, or that tasks you love will be taken from you.
This all points to the critical importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who can help you get the job done. Finding those you can respect and truly trust is an art—and your best chance at moving forward and upward as a leader. This takes time and nurturing, but ultimately, it is so rewarding.
Missed opportunities to delegate rob you of time—time that can be used to work on bigger issues and projects that you have the unique skills and aptitude to solve.
I say—let go! When my mother delegated tasks, she would say, “I’m going to LET you do this.” How clever. It was as if she were bestowing an honor on that person.
I’d like to propose a challenge for you this week: delegate three additional tasks and see how good it feels to let others step in and have the opportunity to rise to the occasion while building their confidence and personal power.
Thanks to all who help me!
Gay
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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