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4 secrets to successful delegation that business owners should know
Rebecca Appleton • 24 March 2021
Essential tips for the busy entrepreneur
Life is busier than ever right now for many entrepreneurs – making it the perfect time to recap on the importance of delegation and more importantly, how to delegate successfully so your workload is lightened and your ability to focus on the tasks only you can do, restored.
Secret 1: know your team and their strengths
A good leader takes the time to really know their team and, this is especially useful when it comes time to delegate. Knowing what special skills each person possesses, projects they have previously enjoyed and areas where they feel they excel can make delegation a more enjoyable process for everyone involved.
Many of those new to delegation can fall into the trap of simply deciding who does what by looking at who has the time free. This can be a mistake as you aren’t then assured of using the best person for the job (something which, in itself leads to greater efficiency).
Secret 2: Be clear with your brief
A clear project brief is the foundation of success. Taking those extra five minutes now to outline what’s needed clearly and in sufficient detail will avoid lots of time consuming back and forth later. It also arms the person you delegate to with the information they need to deliver that task to the best of their ability; helping them to feel good about the work they do and their role within your business. Explaining the why can also be beneficial as it gives purpose and can help your team feel fulfilled.
Secret 3: Consider what only you can do – and what someone else could take ownership of
One of the common pitfalls for entrepreneurs is a disinclination to relinquish control of a project. This means you’ll often find yourself overloaded with tasks. Get into the habit of asking yourself if the job really needs to be done by you or, if someone else with an appropriate skillset could take on that responsibility. You should find that lots of your to do list doesn’t have to be completed by you personally and that you have capable, skilled people on your team who could also do the job to a high standard.
Secret 4: Ask for feedback
Giving and receiving feedback is just as important to yourself as the team leader as it is to members of your team. Understanding if you’re communicating clearly, providing ample time and pressing enough but not too much to stretch your team too thinly is vital to the smooth operation of your business. So, be sure to ask for feedback from your team. Knowing how they are feeling, whether your briefs are clear enough to allow for project success and so on can help you delegate more effectively in the future.
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