Don't Keep It All For Yourself

Wed, 07/13/2011

"A good leader doesn't put off for tomorrow what they can get someone else to do today."  - John C. Maxwell

Time is the one thing we can't get more of. We can't create it, no matter how much power we think we have. As our careers and businesses expand, it's inevitable that we end up with more responsibility, and that means more work.

In order to grow your business and your career, delegation is critical. It's not something for you to just consider, it is a non-negotiable. Sure, you can handle the tasks. You are smart and resourceful, and, given the time, there is no doubt you can get "it" done.

That's just it: there is no more time. 

Finding the right employees, external resources or subcontractors to accomplish the tasks that are going overlooked is the only way to create more time in the day. Don't live in the fear of "it's faster for me do to it than to show somebody how I want it done." Although this may be true in the short term, the long term benefits far outweigh any short term burden.

Look at the undone tasks in your business. They typically go undone because:

  • there are other tasks that are more important.
  • there are other tasks that are easier to manage and at which you are more efficient.
Seek out people with the attitude and skills to handle these tasks. Set a 30-day goal of securing this help, then allocate the following 30-days to training. Outline the specific job responsibilities to help both with hiring the right person and to function as their task list.