How to Delegate: 4 Golden Rules for Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, you are probably used to doing everything yourself. But at some point, you will need to delegate tasks. This might sound scary to you at first, and that’s okay! After all, nobody knows your business like you do. However, for most entrepreneurs, effective delegation is the only thing standing between them and successfully growing their businesses. With that said, there is a right way and a wrong way to step into the field of delegating tasks for your business.

In the early stages of my business, I signed on a new client who had a lot of trouble letting go. Each time I offered to help with a task, they insisted on completing it themselves. Eventually, their retainer was through our meetings alone. If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone. Delegating can be a real challenge for business owners, especially at first.

With that said, delegating effectively is crucial to the growth of any business. No matter how accomplished and capable you are, there will come a time when you need to hand off a few of your hats to other employees or assistants. This allows you more time and resources to become the visionary in your business and oversee that everything is running according to plan.

So, what does it take to be stellar at delegation? In this article, I will discuss why delegation is important for any business owner and some golden rules that you can follow for effective delegation. Let’s get into it!

 Why Delegation is Essential for Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, time is your most valuable asset. With that said, it is also one of your most limited. That’s where delegation comes in. When done right, delegation can free up your schedule and provide you with the support you need to keep your business running smoothly. Delegating your tasks allows you more time for planning your business, preparing for important tasks and meetings, and even kicking your feet up so you can take that much-needed break.

Here are the top benefits of delegating:

• Help increase your efficiency, which ultimately helps you accept and deliver more projects

• Helps you to focus your time and energy on the more important aspects of your business

• Helps to empower your employees by allowing them to do their tasks effectively

How to Delegate Effectively

Now that you know how important delegation can be, you’re probably wondering, “How can I use delegation to boost my business?” If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. Here are the four golden rules of effective delegation.

1.    Get to Know Your Team

Before you start assigning tasks, you will want to have a good understanding of your team members. Get familiar with their strengths and their weaknesses. This will help you identify which tasks will match up with a particular person’s skill set. For instance, perhaps one person is well suited for replying to emails, while another has a knack for data entry.

2.    Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Many business owners struggle with passing off tasks to their employees. In the beginning, this might work out for you quite well. However, as time goes on it can lead you to your downfall. That’s why it’s important to learn how to delegate. This might be uncomfortable at first but make a promise to yourself to push through the discomfort and you will see that you come out a stronger and more well-rounded entrepreneur.

3.    Communicate Your Expectations

When it comes to delegation, communication is key! If you don’t discuss your expectations with your teammates, how will they know how to complete the task up to your standards? That’s why it’s important to discuss a set of guidelines with your team such as when and how the project should be completed. Don’t forget to allow them time to ask you any questions if need be!

4.    Proactive Planning

A common mistake that many entrepreneurs make is waiting until they are overwhelmed with tasks to start delegating. This puts unnecessary pressure on yourself and your teammates. That’s why it’s important to be proactive when it comes to delegating. You don’t have to wait until you are on the brink of burnout. Recognize when you are overworking and start making a plan for delegation as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

Do you work too many hours to the point of exhaustion? Do you feel that you lack a proper work-life balance? If your answer is yes, then it’s high time you start delegating work to others. This article is meant to introduce you to the art of delegation as well as provide some guidance on how to do it effectively.