Early in my career, delegation nearly broke me. Not because my team wasn’t capable, but because I didn’t know how to delegate properly.
I thought delegation meant offloading tasks I didn’t want to do. But true delegation isn’t about getting rid of work—it’s about empowering others to step up, take ownership, and lead.
Why I Resisted Delegation
Like many new leaders, I resisted delegation for three big reasons:
⛔ “No one will do it as well as I can.” (Spoiler: They can.)
⛔ “It’s faster if I just do it myself.” (Short-term thinking at its worst.)
⛔ “I won’t get credit anymore.” (This one hit hard.)
That last one doesn’t get talked about enough.
As an individual contributor, I thrived on recognition—those “Great job!” moments fueled me. But when I stepped into leadership, I feared losing that validation.
Redefining Success
The truth? I did lose some of that direct recognition. And I had to redefine success.
Now, my dopamine hit comes from seeing my team win. Their success is my success. When they thrive, we all do.
But effective delegation isn’t just tossing work over the fence—it requires a structured approach.
The Three E’s of Delegation
If you want to delegate well, follow this framework:
1️⃣ Educate – Set clear expectations, explain the “why,” and lead by example.
2️⃣ Enable – Provide the tools, time, and support they need to execute.
3️⃣ Empower – Give them full ownership. Let them drive, and cheer them on.
The Delegation Litmus Test
Before delegating, I always ask myself:
✔ Have I clearly explained what success looks like?
✔ Have I provided the necessary resources and support?
✔ Do they feel truly accountable for the outcome?
If the answer is yes, we’re all set.
Why Delegation Matters
Delegation is more than just lightening your workload—it’s the key to scaling yourself, your team, and your impact. It builds trust, fosters leadership, and creates a culture of ownership.
If you struggle with delegation, you’re not alone. But mastering it? That’s how you become a leader who not only succeeds but helps others do the same.
Here’s to leading smarter and having less on your plate!
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