Delegation is a critical skill for you as a leader or manager in your organization. It's a way for you to distribute tasks and responsibilities, allowing a team to work together efficiently and achieve their goals. However, many people struggle with delegation for various reasons.
Why is this so common? Let’s talk about scar tissue.
Oftentimes in business, you have to deal with underperformers and non-performers, but because the company needs someone in that role, they stick around, causing the company to build “scar tissue” around that individual. The injury may not hurt now, but all that scar tissue has caused a different way of doing things. This causes other problems in the business that they have grown blind to and stopped looking at. And sometimes it results in thinking “it’s easier/faster if I just do it.”
Delegation can help identify and address issues within the organization that may have gone unnoticed. It allows employees to learn, take on more responsibilities, and develop professionally. And it creates opportunities for growth for employees who have been stuck in their comfort zones for too long.
Building trust with your team involves proper training, patience, and giving individuals the opportunity to problem-solve and learn. Understand that it may take some time for them to reach your level of proficiency, but this investment is essential for long-term success. You can be more comfortable delegating work if operations are standardized and the correct processes are documented.
Holding on tightly to control keeps you in your safe space, which could get old. And not allowing others to grow and flourish could backfire. You could lose good employees and end up keeping the ones that you've built up scar tissue around. Overcoming the hesitation to delegate requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to trust, training, and clear communication. By embracing delegation, you can free up your time, empower your team, and position your organization for success. So, don't let the fear of losing control or the reluctance to take on more responsibility hold you back—break through the scar tissue and delegate with confidence.
