{"id":2887,"date":"2020-01-22T07:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T07:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smarttofinish.com\/Blog\/?p=2887"},"modified":"2020-01-08T02:08:35","modified_gmt":"2020-01-08T02:08:35","slug":"how-to-delegate-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smarttofinish.com\/Blog\/2020\/01\/22\/how-to-delegate-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Delegate Work Even When You\u2019re Scared"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hand drawing Delegate concept with marker on transparent wipe board isolated on white.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learning how to delegate tasks as a manager, especially when you\u2019re afraid it could backfire can be tough. One of the greatest challenges is knowing when to override your fears and delegate anyway and when to refrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her secretlivesofleaders.com article<\/a> entitled Why Am I So Afraid to Delegate, Kishshana Palmer shares the following reminder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDelegation is NOT for dummies. But you are a dummy if you don\u2019t delegate.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managers commonly struggle with releasing responsibility to their employees at some point in their careers. And when this happens, all sorts of fears crop up keeping you from multiplying your best work through delegation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most businesses are equipped with capable enough staff. But you can\u2019t bring their positive and creative energy to the forefront if you hold the reigns too tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could be you\u2019re new to delegating, struggling to find the proper balance or you recently had a bad experience when you \u2018passed the baton\u2019. Regardless of the reason for your delegating fears, here are some ways to delegate even when you\u2019re scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember the Results of Not Delegating Are Even Scarier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the question that paralyzes most managers when struggling to delegate? \u201cWhat could happen if I delegate work to an employee?\u201d<\/em> Managers get fixated on that question when they should be asking, \u201cWhat could happen if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s human nature for your mind to jump to the worst-case scenario. But effective delegation skills require you to envision the productivity you\u2019ll lose by not fully involving your most valuable resource (your employees).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, mistakes can and will happen if you delegate. But the productivity of your company, the job satisfaction of your employees, your professional reputation and job security could be at stake if you don\u2019t delegate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you stop and think about it, not delegating is far riskier. For that reason, learning how to delegate effectively can\u2019t be overstated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Things More Important Than Work in Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the saddest things about the failure to delegate is how it affects aspects of your life that are more important than your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These include your physical, mental and spiritual wellness. This also includes time with your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you fail to delegate tasks, you\u2019ll miss out on life itself. The decline of your health or family certainly isn\u2019t worth holding too tightly to the helm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll work longer hours with higher stress levels if you don\u2019t share your workload. The good news is you can better protect what\u2019s most important to you in life through delegation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you feel scared to delegate, remember it\u2019s not worth the fear considering all you\u2019ll miss out on if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning Ahead Will Make You Less Fearful<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know what you\u2019re saying. \u201cIf I just had more time, I\u2019d plan ahead better for my projects.\u201d<\/em> Ironically, the main reason you don\u2019t have time is that you\u2019re not delegating enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, the reason you\u2019re scared to hand off a project has nothing to do with the competence of your employees. Rather, your failure to adequately plan for the project\u2019s success is what makes you most fearful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start delegating more regularly and you\u2019ll have time to adequately plan for those projects. The result will be much greater peace of mind for you and your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Delegate: Consider Going Outside of Your Company<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason for apprehension to share responsibility despite the benefits of delegation could be because of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n