When I first became a manager, I believed success meant working harder than everyone else. I was convinced that if I controlled every detail and handled all the work myself, everything would run perfectly.

But soon, my desk was cluttered with endless to-do lists.

I felt like I was drowning.

One night, as I sat in my office, hours after my staff left for the day… I received a message from a team member offering help.

My first instinct was to say, “I’ve got it.” 

But then I paused. Why was I doing this alone?

The next day, I decided to be honest with my team. I admitted that I was overwhelmed and couldn’t handle everything on my own.

To my surprise, they were more than willing to take on extra responsibility—they had been waiting for the chance.

I delegated for the first time.

It felt strange, and I worried about things going wrong.

But something amazing happened: my team thrived. They didn’t just get the job done; they took ownership and excelled.

Over time, my team grew stronger, more confident, and more capable.

And as they did, I became a better leader. I had more time to focus on bigger-picture tasks, and I finally started enjoying my work again.

The lesson?

Delegation isn’t a weakness; it’s a way to empower your team and yourself.

Letting go is the first step to growing as a leader.

This Week’s Ladder:

Master the Art of Delegation

This week, let's talk about something that can genuinely transform your leadership journey.

Delegation.

I know, I know. The word itself might make you cringe a little.

Maybe you're thinking:

• "I'll lose control of the project!"

• "No one can do it as well as I can."

• "It'll take longer to explain than just doing it myself."

Sound familiar? Well, here's the thing:

Delegation is a superpower. 

And like all superpowers, it takes practice to master.

Why delegation matters

When you delegate effectively, you not only free up your time to focus on higher-level responsibilities, but you also empower your team.

You're leveraging the unique strengths and talents of your team members, which can lead to some pretty amazing results.

Plus, delegation can also:

• Increase team productivity

• Foster a collaborative work environment

• Develop your team's skills and confidence

Overcoming the fear of letting go

I get it, letting go can be tough. But holding onto every task is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. Exhausting, right?

So, how do you get over the fear of delegating?

1. Trust your team. They've got skills and talents that can surprise you.

2. Communicate clearly. Make sure they understand the task and its importance.

3. Provide support. Be there to guide them, but don't micromanage.

4. Embrace mistakes. They happen. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.

Simple steps to start delegating today

Here’s your Career Ladder this week:

1. Identify tasks to delegate. Look at your to-do list and pick tasks that don't require your unique expertise.

2. Choose the right person. Match the task to a team member's strengths and development goals.

3. Set clear expectations. Define the desired outcome, deadline, and key checkpoints.

4. Provide the necessary resources. Ensure your team has everything they need to succeed.

5. Step back. Trust them to do the job, but stay available for support.

6. Give feedback. Offer constructive feedback and celebrate successes.

Embrace the journey

Delegation isn’t just about getting things off your plate. It's about growing as a leader and helping your team shine.

I Recommend:

DEEP AND DELIBERATE DELEGATION: A new art for unleashing talent and winning back time by Dave Stitt

In a fast-paced world where time is scarce and efficiency is king, the art of delegation is often misunderstood and grossly underutilized.

Reading this book is crucial for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of micromanagement and burnout, and to discover how to effectively empower their teams.

**Like newsletters that deliver value? Here are some newsletters my readers also enjoy: EXPLORE!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed twice as fast, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️