Mastering True Delegation: A Guide to Effective Leadership

by | Leadership, Operations, podcast

Gwen and Tonya are shown together sitting at Gwen's dining room table. Microphones in front of them, Gwen has her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and Tonya's chin-length curly slat-and-pepper hair is as tame as it'll ever be. Both women wear glasses, but Tonya's black-and-white frames are much cooler. Tonya has a white denim jacket open over a black T-shirt. Gwen wears a bright teal cardigan over a black tank top. Gwen has bold teal wooden jewelry. Tonya is allergic to jewelry and hopes the cool glasses distract you from her lack of accessories. In front of them is a graphic with the words "How to Delegate and Scale Your Business"

Delegation is often seen as a simple task: Assign a job to someone else and move on. But as any experienced leader knows, true delegation is far more complex.

In this episode of The Business You Really Want, co-host Tonya Kubo and I explore the deeper layers of delegation, revealing how it can transform your leadership and business.

Understanding True Delegation: More Than Just Assigning Tasks

Delegation is more than making task assignments. True delegation is a multi-phase process that requires significant effort upfront. This process involves not only training your team members, but also gradually giving them more responsibility until they can manage tasks independently. If you really want to lighten your load as a business owner, you need a system where your team can succeed without constant oversight.

The Phases of Effective Delegation

Effective delegation also doesn’t happen overnight. I recommend taking it in phases, especially if you’re new to delegating.

Phase 1: Training and Understanding

Before you can delegate, you need to confirm that both you and your team member fully understand the task at hand. This phase involves detailed training and clear communication.

Phase 2: Gradual Handover

Start by giving your team member small responsibilities and closely monitor their progress. Not to nitpick or swoop in to save the day when the slightest challenge arises. Your reason for closely monitoring their progress is so you can build their confidence by acknowledging what they are doing well. If anything isn’t quite right, you can gently guide them toward solving issues on their own with your guidance. 

Phase 3: Full Responsibility

Once your team member has demonstrated their ability to handle the task, it’s time to hand over full responsibility. Now, they own the task and responsibility for the outcome. And you move into the role of holding them accountable to their outcomes without managing every step they take to get there.

Task vs. Responsibility Delegation: Why It Matters

One of the common mistakes leaders make is confusing task delegation with responsibility delegation. Assigning tasks is a short-term solution, but if you want long-term success, you need to delegate responsibility. This shift in mindset can free up your time and energy, allowing your team to grow and your business to thrive.

Overcoming the Barriers to Delegation

Many leaders struggle with letting go of control. Whether it’s the fear of things not being done “your way” or the tendency to micromanage, these barriers can hinder effective delegation.

Listen to the episode for practical tips for overcoming these challenges:

  • Embrace Different Approaches: Understand that there are multiple ways to achieve the desired outcome. Trust your team to find their own paths to success.
  • Pace Your Delegation: Don’t rush the process. Take the time to train and transition responsibilities gradually.
  • Maintain Accountability: Ensure that even after you’ve delegated, there’s a system in place for accountability. This helps prevent issues from falling through the cracks.

Accountability: The Final Step in Delegation

The final phase of true delegation is all about accountability. It’s essential to let your team own both their wins and their losses. This doesn’t mean abandoning them when things go wrong. You need to guide them to find solutions and learn from their experiences. Most people want to do a good job; they just need the right support and accountability.

The Power of True Delegation

Delegation is a way to empower your team, build trust, and create a sustainable business. By following the phases of true delegation and embracing accountability, you can lead more effectively and focus on what truly matters in your business.

Are you ready to transform your approach to delegation?

If the business you really want is one where you are free to focus on high-level strategy rather than day-to-day operations, this episode is a must-listen. But it’s also a great resource for anyone who wants to become a better leader

You can listen on Apple and Spotify, or watch on YouTube.

About Gwen

Gwen Bortner has spent four decades advising executives and entrepreneurs in 45+ industries. She helps women succeed in business without sacrificing happiness by identifying their true desires and aligning their business functions. She spots overlooked bottlenecks and crafts efficient plans toward sustainable success that center your values and priorities.