4 Simple Ways to Make Delegation Feel Less Intimidating
Does delegating feel intimidating to you? If it does, you’re not alone and this for you.
I’ve worked with both extremes: Executives who are so over it that they throw tasks and projects at me like a hot potato, then sprint in the other direction. 😄
And on the flip side, Executives who hold on so tightly that I can barely get a glimpse into their world, fists clenched, as I watch them slowly drown. They try to control everything, even with a capable team standing by, ready to help.
I know the benefits of delegation, so I’m eager to get things moving and progressing, but I match their pace, so that I can gain their trust. Over time, I’ve come to understand why so many leaders hesitate to let go.
Control feels like safety. It’s that quiet reassurance that as long as you handle it, things will go as planned. I get it, coming from a recovering control freak myself.
And then there’s disappointment. Maybe you’ve tried delegating before, but the people you trusted didn’t quite measure up. The ball got dropped, and you had to pick up the pieces.
So yeah, delegation can feel scary.
While your feelings are real and valid, the reality is this: Control, in the form of doing everything yourself, isn’t sustainable. It weighs you down, mentally and physically. It stifles your growth, limits your creativity, and steals your time. I’ve seen brilliant leaders crumble under the pressure of holding onto too many things. It hurts to watch because I know how much more they’re capable of.
So how do you overcome the fear of delegating?
You start slow. You start small. You create a plan. And you practice.
Start Slow, Start Small
Start Slow: The key here is to take it one step at a time. You don’t have to rush into handing over everything at once. Begin by delegating one task at a time and pay attention to how the person you're delegating to handles it. Trust builds gradually, and by starting slow, you give yourself the chance to evaluate how things go before you delegate more. This approach helps you feel comfortable and confident that the person can manage the task well.
Start Small: Start by identifying tasks that don’t need your personal touch. These are the smaller, less critical tasks that still need to be done but won’t cause any major disruptions if someone new handles them. I’m talking about things like admin tasks, emails, and scheduling. These tasks are essential to keeping things running smoothly, but they don’t directly impact the success of your business.
Make a Delegation Plan
Making a plan will ease your anxiety about delegating. It allows you to define what you're handing over, to whom, and how it fits into the bigger picture, so you’re not losing control, you’re refining it. You’re not just offloading tasks and hoping for the best. You’re leading with intention, setting clear expectations, and giving your team the structure they need to execute with confidence.
Here is a Simple Way to Create a Plan:
Track Your Tasks: For one week, track everything you do. Every meeting, every email, everything that takes up your time. Make a list.
Categorize: After a week, go through the list. Start categorizing what only you can handle and what can be passed off to someone else.
Create a Delegation Chart: Start by listing each task, who you want to delegate it to, the process they need to follow, how you will measure success, and when you’ll check in with them to see how things are going. Clear boundaries and expectations are key here. It makes things easier for you to delegate and for everyone involved.
Communicate with Your Team: Have a meeting with team members you’ll be delegating to. Walk through your plan and show them how to execute it. Explain why these tasks are important, what role they’ll play in the bigger picture, and how this process will help everyone in the long run.
The Power of Practice
Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make progress. Once you start following these steps, delegation becomes easier over time. Like a muscle, the more you flex and use this skill, the stronger you’ll grow.
So, what’s the real cost of holding on to everything yourself? Is it your peace of mind? Your ability to dream big? Your time with the people who matter most? Letting go isn’t about losing control. Letting go helps you to live your life on your terms, gaining back you time to use it the way you please.
What’s one thing you’re holding onto that you know, deep down, someone else could handle? And what would it feel like to finally let it go?