Being a manager of your own business is no easy task. As the main person in charge, you have to make sure that those working for you are getting the job done. A good entrepreneur knows how to delegate well. So much so that it gives them the opportunity to plan and develop strategies to keep their business running well.
Entrepreneurs make a common mistake when they assume delegated work to employees is assigning them tasks. What’s involved in delegation is so much more. The proper way for successful delegation is offering up the responsibility to get the work done to the very end.
Why are some entrepreneurs scared to delegate?
Fear. Often times an entrepreneur is afraid that no one can do the job as well as they can. This may not necessarily be an issue with employees more than it’s trust issues the entrepreneur has to overcome.
Time. Many believe that the time it takes to delegate and explain tasks, the job can already be done. However, if you’re finding that you’re spending too much time sorting through and delegating work, it may be time to “delegate” that task to a project manager.
Insecurity. Sometimes the issue is simply the desire to be needed, or indispensable. After all, as an entrepreneur, you are nurturing something you created. It’s natural not to want that taken away.
How do you overcome this?
Face your fears. While this is easier said than done, the only way to get over something is to go through it. Even though you may fear the job won’t get done just as well as you would do it, delegate it anyway. You won’t know who to trust with the work unless you give them a chance.
Let go of the illusion of saving time. When assigning work, it should be an overall project as opposed to just tasks. These tasks can build up as the project progresses. So in actuality, time is saved.
Motivate yourself to be better. When we linger in our insecurities, we can bring upon our own failure. Take time to pour into yourself. Read self-help books. Attend seminars. Find a mentor that will encourage you to succeed. Whatever you have to do to get past your insecurities, do it!