Delegation isn’t just for managers – delegation is something we can all do.
Ask yourself does the task need to be done specifically by you? And who else could do it?
When we’re under stress, we tend not to see all the possible solutions to a challenge. Instead, it may seem like we absolutely need to do the task or the world will fall apart.
Let’s say you need to clean the house. Let’s say it’s important to you because it’s stressing you out and making it hard for you to focus on the other things you need to get done. Can cleaning be delegated to a cleaning service? Maybe it’s time to research that would cost, what it will gain you (cleanliness and time back), and seeing if the value versus the cost will fit your budget. Maybe a cleaning service every two weeks doesn’t fit into your budget, but maybe getting a “deep clean” service every few months or so could fit your budget while giving you some time back.
Going back to the last tip about prioritization, consider that maybe the house doesn’t need to get cleaned all at once. Which are the critical tasks and can you spend 15 minutes a day on those? Who else in your household who can pitch in or learn how to use the washer and dryer? Maybe after taking a step back, you realize that cleaning isn’t a priority at all and nothing needs to get done today.
Apply some of the same thinking to food preparation. Some people get all of their meals delivered, and some rely on meal prep by someone else just once in a while to give themselves a needed break. Some people find cooking relaxing, but they might want to use a grocery delivery service to free up some of their time.
Now apply that concept to work. Are you on a team and can the task be broken up? Are you the most qualified person to complete the task? Do you feel like you have to do it all on your own and is that really true? Would a team effort with collaboration and ideas from others make the product better?
Sometimes managers do things on their own because of the perception that it will be faster to do it themselves than it will be to train someone. This is false in a lot of ways. When under stress, managers underestimate the talents of the people around them. Maybe it's not as complicated as it seems and just a few minutes of direction can get the person started, and you can make time to support them later with any questions they have and feedback about their progress so far.
Many managers feel like they need to be producing all the time, and end up neglecting their leadership duties. Are we planning things in a way that involves the right voices, the right talents and skills? Are we taking the time to make sure that people are trained and learning and gaining experience?
Reflect on how you can apply this at home and at work. I’ll be back tomorrow with another tip.
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