Too many business owners will tell you they’re “satisfied” with the long hours they put in. But let’s be honest: most of them don’t really enjoy it, they’ve simply accepted this intense workload as part of being an entrepreneur. It’s as if their business will always own their life, and that’s just a fact.
But here’s the good news: this isn’t required! You don’t have to be perpetually tied to your business. You can get results in your business and reclaim your life. The secret lies in mastering effective delegation.
In this post, we’ll share three powerful tips for delegating effectively that will empower your team, boost your business, and give you back precious time.
Tip #1: Develop a Training Plan
You can’t simply hand over tasks and expect seamless execution. You need a dedicated training plan for the key people you intend to delegate to.
One of the most common failures I see is when owners promote trusted employees to management positions, without giving them any management training. Without training, even the best-intentioned employees will struggle. Sure, it’s possible some will do well through a trial by fire, but most are going to have a rough go of it. They could take years to become fully productive, or worse, they could get burned out from the stress and quit. Why not set them up for success by investing in their development and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed?
A well-trained team isn’t just capable; they’re confident, making them far more reliable partners in your business’s growth.
Tip #2: Create and Document Your Systems
The best way to confidently hand off tasks to others is to have clear, documented systems in place. Imagine trying to explain a complex recipe without it ever being written down – it’s prone to error!
Here’s a simple, effective way to get your systems documented:
- Integrate documentation with training: While you’re training someone to take on a new task, have them document what you’re teaching. This turns the teaching process into the system-creation process.
- Review and refine together: They watch you and they write it down. Then, you watch them try the task using their written steps, making notes of what was missed or what needs clarification. Together, you agree on the final, refined process.
Having documented systems not only ensures consistency but also provides accountability. The system itself becomes the standard, making it easier for your team to follow and for you to ensure tasks are completed correctly.
Tip #3: Delegate for Results, Not Just Activity
This is a profound shift in mindset that can unlock massive potential. Too often, when we delegate, we simply say, “Hey, do this for me,” and then silently expect a certain result without ever explicitly stating it.
Think of it like this: When we tell our kids to “clean up your room,” they might do something, but often it doesn’t meet our expectations because we never agreed on the outcome. For example, they could simply shove all of their mess under their bed and think they cleaned. Instead, you need to get agreement on what a clean room really means (e.g., toys in bins, clothes in hamper, books on shelf, trash taken out, etc.).
In business, it’s the same. Through comprehensive training (Tip #1) and documented systems with defined outcomes (Tip #2), you can clearly articulate the results you want to get from each delegated task.
When you delegate for results instead of just activity:
- Your team gains clarity: They know exactly what “success” looks like.
- Performance improves: People inherently perform better when they understand what’s expected of them.
- You get better outcomes: Instead of just a task being completed, you get the specific, desired result.
Ready to Reclaim Your Time and Drive Better Results?
If you’re ready to stop delegating for frustration and start delegating for predictable, impactful results, it’s time to take action. Implementing these three tips will not only free up your time but also empower your team and strengthen your entire business.
Don’t let your business continue to own your life. Start building a solid foundation through effective delegation today.
Author: Mark McNulty, Business Coach in Louisville, KY