Small business owners have to deal with juggling and managing various tasks, meetings, and the general running of a business. It can be so overwhelming and difficult to know where to start and what to do first.
In the beginning, when costs can be a factor, business owners deal with handling everything themselves. This ties up time that could be spent working with clients and focusing on business growth.
Delegating is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move that allows you to focus on what matters most for your business. As a business owner, your time is valuable, and when you delegate certain tasks to others, you can concentrate on the important aspects of running a business.
Overcoming Delegating Hurdles
Many small business owners hesitate to delegate because of fear of losing control and concerns about the quality of work. They may fear wasting money, or, believe that it would be easier and quicker to do the tasks than explain how to do them. Change your mindset and understand that delegation is an investment in your business’s future.
Where to start? Start small by assigning less critical tasks, gradually building up trust by letting go and delegating. Have a proper onboarding process in place, with clear communication and expectations at the outset, to avoid issues further down the line.
Strategies for Effective Delegation
Identify Tasks to Delegate: You won’t want to delegate a lot of tasks first, and not every task will be suitable to hand over. Spend time identifying the tasks you can delegate to the right team member or freelancer, allowing you more time to focus on your business.
Be Clear with Communication: Ensure that you communicate your expectations, deadlines, and desired outcomes from the outset. Provide the necessary information so that your delegated tasks can be completed properly and efficiently.
Use Project Management Tools
There are so many tools and apps available to help us with all parts of running our lives. Research and try out free trials on the various tools available to help you with running your business and working with team members and freelancers.
Common Areas to Avoid
While delegation can be a successful tool to have, it’s important to be aware of common downsides. From micromanaging and inadequate communication to not providing all the necessary information or support, these can all contribute to a negative delegation experience for both you and your team members or freelancers.
Tips for Overcoming Delegating Issues
Delegating has its challenges, and here are some practical tips to navigate common delegation obstacles:
Build Trust Gradually: Start with smaller tasks to build trust between you and your team member or freelancer. As the trust grows, you can slowly delegate more tasks and responsibilities.
Provide Clear Guidelines: Communicate expectations and guidelines for each delegated task. This ensures that everyone is clear on the task at hand, understands the objectives, and gets the work done efficiently and as expected.
Provide Regular Communication and Support: Set up regular calls to check in and have discussions and feedback on how the delegation is going.
Delegating is much more than assigning tasks; it’s about optimising your time and focusing on moving your business in the direction you wish to go.