Do you Delegate enough?

One of the pleasures of entrepreneurship are the deep conversations with fellow entrepreneurs. If you know me, you might have noticed that I pick out interesting people to have a conversation with from a crowd. Actually, you and I might have met like this!

If there’s something I really hate, on the other hand, are random phone-calls, that are just meant to reach certain targets. Like a number of conversations you should achieve in a week, according to certain guru’s. While this might work for many, it doesn’t work for me. I like genuine conversations, because of common interests or goals. Not because of factual numbers that should be reached.

So recently I reached out to a lady, that sparked my interest, and we indeed had a wonderful conversation, even longer than we had planned for. It was as revelatory as traveling to another country. What I’ve learned was not just interesting facts and stories about the lady and her business, but also more about my own company and myself. A really deep conversation. A fun one, full with connection and sparks.

What she pointed out to me, was that she was thrilled to hear that I help female entrepreneurs to work and worry less, without loosing their income. And she added to that, that in her opinion, women should delegate more. That’s right: delegate!

How easy that seems, and how tough that is in reality, mostly for women. It starts with the household, really. Are you able to delegate some chores to others you share your space with? Are you able to let someone else clean your house, without you making everything neat before they arrive? Are you able to express what is important to you, what needs to be done and how you would like the end result to be? You might think yes, though you might do the opposite…

Interesting, right? So try a little thought here. How would you like to get an assignment, without getting details of the desired outcome? Would you feel okay with that? Wouldn’t you feel more valued if you would get some instructions? Wouldn’t it become more easy to create a plan to get it done in a pleasurable way?

Now that you’ve tried out the receiving side of the equation, try to imagine giving the assignment. Be specific and gentle. You don’t have to be harsh, just give the right information and motivation to get the job done. It can be done in a loving way. Delegating doesn’t have to be pushy or bossy. It can be loving and caring.

Do you have a situation in mind? Write it down. From both sides: the one receiving the ‘order’ and then you giving the order. Do you see how this can be friendly? Do you feel how much time it will save you on the long run, not having to pop in all the time to explain the details again and again when you are most busy?

By delegating in a smart and gentle way, you’ll create a team around you that feels appreciated and motivated. So that the next generation won’t feel embarrassed to ask for help and delegate. They will see it as an opportunity to make others grow. So can you, by delegating more, starting now.

Let me know how this turns out for you!

Best regards,

Anna