Delegation - Focus on the growth, not just the grind

For many business owners, the idea of handing tasks over to someone else can feel risky or even counterintuitive, especially when you’ve built something from the ground up with your own blood, sweat and tears. Your end goal however should be growth, not just survival! If it is, then learning to delegate tasks can be one of the smartest moves you make. Effective delegation isn't just about lightening the load; it’s about freeing yourself to focus on the bigger picture and the areas where you truly add value.

Delegation starts with identifying what tasks need your expertise and what tasks can be done by someone else. Often, you will think you need to stay involved in every aspect of the business because you know the ins and outs better than anyone. But think of it this way: the time you spend on routine and admin work is time taken away from time spent driving growth. Giving some responsibilities to others allows you to spend more time on IGT's (income generating tasks), networking, and all of the other important stuff that gives your business its edge.

One of the most common challenges with delegation is finding the right people to take on specific tasks. Whether you have a team, are planning to build one or are working with freelancers, it’s important to match tasks with people’s strengths. Not only does this play to each team member’s abilities, but it also boosts their engagement. When someone feels trusted and valued, they’re more likely to get on board,  take ownership and produce better results. That trust can free you up to focus without constantly worrying about what’s being done in the background.

Once you’re ready to delegate, communicate clearly what success looks like for each task. Giving someone a job without expectations can lead to misunderstandings and ultimately, more work on your part. Don't be afraid to be upfront about what needs to be done and the outcome you expect. You are the one paying for the services at the end of the day, no-one else.

Learning to let go of the smaller tasks is hard but essential. It's hard to resist checking up every five seconds and being a proper helicopter boss, especially when something has been your responsibility for so long!

Manage correctly - but trust the people you’ve chosen, focus on the growth of the business, create something that is more like what you originally thought it would be. Good delegation enables you to move from working in your business to working on it, which you can read more about here - Working ON Your Business - What Does That Even Mean?