166 - 4 Keys to Mastering the Art of Delegation
As the old adage goes: "Do less and accomplish more; do nothing and accomplish everything." When running a business, the perpetual, though eternally unattainable goal, is to make yourself dispensable.
1. Get past the "I'll do it myself" syndrome.
Interestingly enough, many business owners just can't seem to let go, feeling they have to do everything themselves. As a result, they become so bogged down and stressed by their daily tasks that, sooner or later, they break down emotionally, psychology or physically. They do this for a couple of different reasons.
First, they feel that if they want something done right, they have to do it themselves. This feeling is ingrained in them to the point that they can't move past it. As the business expands, this becomes an obvious formula for disaster.
2. Free yourself up.
Delegating tasks frees you to pursue broader horizons. It enables you to elevate your activities to a higher level and explore new possibilities for the business. Perhaps you will find ways to improve the efficiency of how things are being done. Or you will discover new ways of marketing. You might even find new products or services to offer your customers or clients.
3. Develop backup personnel.
For every task you delegate, there should be a backup person for the task. This way, the business operations will never become dependent on one individual. People get sick, quit or may eventually be promoted or needed in another area. Without a backup person capable of moving into their old position, the business becomes static. When every position is backed up, the dynamics of the entire business are more free-flowing, flexible and less susceptible to a critical shut-down.
4. Be a good delegator.
A good delegator functions in a manner similar to the old circus act where the showman would spin multiple plates atop poles simultaneously. His job was not only to get the plate spinning, but to occasionally, when needed, give an isolated plate an additional spin to keep it going. A good delegator is ready to step in, if needed, to keep the business running, but does everything in their power to ensure that need is rare. They are then free to advance the company further while having a healthy life of their own.
Source: entrepeneur
All the best!
Patty Block
