Delegation Excuses
Re-frame your delegation fears into action
Managers often forgo delegating to team members due to a laundry list of excuses. They horde work instead, and then complain about being overwhelmed!
Below is a chart of excuses to avoid and positive ways to move forward to practice your delegation skill. Once you can delegate with ease, management and life gets a lot more simple.
Excuse | Reframe
It’s faster if I do it myself | You are still using your time to do the work vs. someone else’s time
They might make a mistake | You’re taking away an opportunity for them to learn
I know they will make a mistake because they have before | Point out what you’re worried about. Give them opportunity to learn from past mistakes
I’m not sure what I want the desired outcome to be | Be direct. Say the project is a work in progress and you need a thought partner
I don’t have time to explain it | You don’t have time to explain it, but you have time to do it? You’re kicking the can down the road.
I’m on a tight deadline | Is there any part of the project or task you can delegate?
My pride is on the line | All the work that comes from your team has your name stamped on it. Take pride in being a great manager, not a great doer.
My job is on the line | Always edit the final product. Your job is on the line if you don’t learn to delegate effectively.
Checking In!
Does this sound all too familiar? It’s a very easy trap to fall into, and I still find myself doing sometimes. Give me your go to excuses in the comments. Let’s see if we can reframe together.
