Let go and Delegate – How to Get More Done Without Doing It All Yourself
One of a business coach’s core responsibilities is helping business owners tackle their biggest challenges—challenges that typically fall into three main categories: time, team, and money. While there’s rarely a single solution that addresses all three, delegation comes remarkably close.
- Time – Delegating tasks frees up your time to focus on what matters most.
- Team – Delegation empowers your team and builds their capabilities.
- Money – A stronger, more capable team allows you to focus on higher-value, more profitable work.
Let’s explore how effective delegation can transform your business.
In today’s fast-paced professional world, time is your most valuable asset. As demands pile up and to-do lists grow longer, one of the most effective strategies for regaining control of your schedule is delegation.
Yet, despite its benefits, many professionals struggle to delegate effectively—or even at all.
Why?
Because delegation often feels risky or uncomfortable. Do any of these sound familiar?
- “Nobody can do this work as well as I can.”
- “What if they mess it up?”
- “If they do a better job than me, won’t I look bad?”
- “I don’t have time to explain it.”
- “I don’t want to come across as bossy.”
If so, you’re not alone. Delegation is as much a mindset shift as it is a skill. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do everything yourself to be effective. In fact, trying to do it all is a recipe for burnout—not success.
Delegation is Not Abdication
Let’s be clear—delegating isn’t about dumping tasks on someone else and walking away. It’s about trusting your team with responsibility, offering the right guidance, and allowing others to grow while freeing yourself for higher-value work.
When done well, delegation:
- Increases team productivity
- Builds trust and morale
- Helps you focus on strategic priorities
- Develops others’ skills
- Creates a more agile, resilient organisation
Think Team, Not Individual
In a high-performing team, everyone has a role to play. Delegation is a form of teamwork in action—sharing responsibility to achieve a common goal. You don’t have to be the one doing everything; your role is to ensure everything gets done.
When you shift your mindset from “I have to do this” to “Who is the best person to do this?”, you’ll unlock a new level of efficiency and leadership.
How to Delegate Effectively: Step-by-Step
If you’re ready to start delegating more effectively, here’s a simple but powerful framework:
1. Choose the Right Task
Start with low- to medium-risk tasks that don’t require deep expertise or sensitive judgment. Good candidates include:
- Routine reports
- Scheduling and admin
- Research or prep work
- Repetitive tasks you’ve mastered
2. Pick the Right Person
Match the task to someone’s strengths, experience, or growth goals. Delegation is also a great development opportunity—especially for junior team members looking to stretch their skills.
3. Communicate Clearly
This step is crucial. Be specific about:
- The goal: Why the task matters
- The scope: What’s included and what’s not
- The expectations: What success looks like
- The deadline: When it’s due and how progress should be reported
Tip: Don’t assume knowledge. Talk it through and encourage questions.
4. Provide Resources & Support
Make sure the person has:
- Access to the right tools, documents, or systems
- Background information or context
- Clarity on where to go for help (you, a colleague, or external resources)
5. Follow Up, Not Over
Micromanaging kills initiative. But radio silence isn’t the answer either. Strike a balance by:
- Agreeing on progress check-ins
- Staying accessible for questions
- Offering feedback along the way
6. Recognise and Reflect
Once the task is complete:
- Give feedback—both positive and constructive
- Praise great work publicly where appropriate
- Reflect on what went well and what could improve next time
Delegation Traps to Avoid
As you build your delegation muscle, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- “I don’t have time to explain it.” You don’t have time not to. A few extra minutes upfront saves hours later.
- “They’re not ready.” Maybe not yet—but that’s why you guide them.
- “I’ll just do it faster myself.” You might. But if you always do it, they’ll never learn.
Pro tip: If you’re delegating under pressure (e.g., late in the day or in a crunch), be respectful. Don’t offload tasks last-minute with unrealistic deadlines.
Keep a Delegation Tracker
Once you’ve delegated a task, don’t wipe it from your mental list. Use a simple tracking system:
- Mark the task on your to-do list with the delegatee’s initials
- Record the agreed-upon deadline on your calendar
- Set reminders to check progress if needed
This keeps you accountable and helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
The Double Payoff of Delegation
Done right, delegation delivers a two-fold return:
- You free up time for strategic, high-value work
- Your team grows in skill, confidence, and capacity
And perhaps most importantly, you become a stronger leader—someone who builds capability in others, manages priorities effectively, and elevates the whole team.
Remember, leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about empowering others to help get the job done, together.
Final Thought
Mastering the art of delegation is not about letting go of control—it’s about creating more control over your time and priorities. Start small, communicate clearly, and practice consistently. The rewards—in productivity, trust, and team growth—are well worth it.
You don’t have to be a superhero to be successful. You just need to stop trying to do it all alone.
I’m here to help. Arrange a call with me, and I’ll help you to make the changes you need.
Book a call with Justin – https://justincharlton-jones.zohobookings.eu/#/introductory
If you’re struggling with the art of delegation or any other issues, why not consider 2 weeks free coaching from us to see how we can help? Click here for more info Two Weeks Free Coaching – Buckingham – ActionCOACH
