The importance of delegation for business growth

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner with an endless to-do list, there’s a good chance you’re spending too much time working IN your business, when you should be working ON your business. 

When a business owner is tied into too many operational tasks that swallow up all of their time, there’s a serious risk their actually holding their business back. 

You need to free up your time to focus on the bigger ‘strategic vision’ picture, to set your direction and drive growth. Delegation is the key, whether with team members or external suppliers.

Here’s my guide to help you take the practical steps needed:

WHEN to Delegate

• When tasks are teachable, repetitive, or time-consuming: If a task appears weekly (like bookkeeping or social media scheduling), it should be delegated.
• When a task isn’t one of your strengths: Delegate tasks that fall outside your expertise (like technical SEO, IT support or designing your website and other collateral).
• When a task is draining your energy and enthusiasm: Tasks that do this are prime candidates for delegation.
• When you’re feeling overwhelmed: Don’t wait until you are fully burned out; start delegating before you feel you absolutely need to, so you have time to train.
• When someone else can perform the task 80% as well: Don't wait for perfection. If someone can do a task nearly as well as you, it’s time to delegate.

HOW to Delegate Effectively

• Document processes: Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or checklists, to ensure consistency.
• Focus on outcomes not methods: Tell your team what needs to be achieved, not how to do it.
• Be supportive and build confidence: Firstly, demonstrate and brief the task you’re passing on. Then collaborate in a supporting role, before entirely handing it over.
• Provide authority: Give your team the power to make decisions to avoid reverse delegation that eats back into your time.
• Leverage tools: Use project management software to monitor progress without micromanaging.

Summary

Stop being the ‘only one’: Acknowledge you’re not the only person who can do the job properly. Allow your team to learn through mistakes, and above all: don't take the task back. If something goes wrong, coach the person or fix the process.