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Delegating Doesn't Mean Losing Control


What do you call a business owner who just can't seem to delegate? Exhausted.

For many small business owners, the biggest drawback to delegation is a perceived loss of control over the tasks or projects—what you're an expert in and likely at the heart of your business—you need off of your plate. After all, your business is quite possibly your biggest investment, and any setback can feel like it might have the potential to snowball into catastrophe.

The best way to conquer your undiagnosed delegate-o-phobia is making sure that you follow the principles of responsible delegating. Consider these guidelines for a new project or task to hand off to one of your employees:
  • Clearly communicate what you want done, provide the authority to complete the assignment, and explain what success should look like to avoid confusion and frustration along the way.
  • Make sure your employee has the proprietary information or sources needed to get the job done.
  • Keep an eye on progress, but don't make your employee feel as if they're in a fishbowl. Establish fixed, formal progress meetings when you first assign the project, but make it clear that you are available for any pressing questions. Allowing employees to exercise their own discretion without constant monitoring is a powerful motivational tool.
  • Refrain from making decisions that your employees can make themselves. If employees request your help in making a decision, ask them to provide you with a list of alternatives and to identify their own recommendations.
  • Never delegate strictly managerial functions, such as employment-related actions, that are squarely within your scope.
  • Don't judge results by what you think you could have accomplished but rather look toward the criteria you outlined at the outset and be objective in analyzing results.
Incorporating delegation into your management style will not only free yourself to manage the work that only you can perform, but will boost the morale and efficiency of your employees.



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