You’re juggling too much—and it’s slowing you down.
615 words ~ 3 min read
Many leaders take pride in wearing all the hats. You built the business. You know how everything works. But the constant “I’ll just do it myself” mindset can quickly lead to burnout—and a team that’s disengaged, underutilized, and uninspired.
Here’s the truth: Delegation isn’t giving up control. It’s multiplying your impact. When done right, delegation empowers your team, develops future leaders, and gives you the space to focus on the work that only you can do: vision, strategy, and growth.
Why Leaders Struggle to Delegate
If you’ve ever thought:
You’re not alone. These beliefs are common—but they limit your potential and the potential of your people.
A Gallup study found that leaders who delegate effectively generate 33% more revenue than those who don’t. (Gallup) Delegation isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a growth strategy.
The #1 Leadership Mistake: Doing It All Yourself
When leaders hoard decision-making and execution, they:
Delegation flips the script. It encourages autonomy, accountability, and initiative—three things every high-performing team needs.
As Harvard Business Review puts it:
"Delegation is not a zero-sum game where one person’s gain is another’s loss. It’s a win-win when approached with clarity and purpose.” (HBR)
Common Delegation Myths—And the Truth Behind Them
The Delegation Playbook: 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Clarify the Why
Don’t just assign tasks. Provide context. Explain why the task matters and how it ties into bigger goals. People are more engaged when they understand the purpose behind the work.
Step 2: Match Tasks to Strengths (and Stretch Them)
Delegate based on individual skills—but also look for opportunities to develop new ones. Aligning tasks with someone’s career goals creates buy-in and drives personal growth.
Step 3: Define Success, Then Step Back
Be clear about desired outcomes, deadlines, and key metrics. But don’t dictate how the work gets done. Let people problem-solve and take ownership. Check in, but don’t hover.
Pro Tip: Use this delegation script—
“I’d like you to take the lead on [project]. Here’s what success looks like: [clear outcome]. I trust your judgment. Let’s check in at [milestone] to make sure you have what you need.”
What You Gain When You Let Go
When leaders delegate effectively, they:
You don’t scale by working harder—you scale by working smarter and building a team that grows alongside you.
Takeaway
Delegation isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a critical leadership skill that drives growth—for you, your team, and your business.
Let go of the small stuff. Step into your role as the visionary leader your team needs.
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