We all know we should. Successful managers and supervisors do it.  Results-oriented managers do it!  The people who get promoted do it.  Why don’t you? 

There are a lot of reasons not to delegate, but I have found in my years of consulting that FEAR is the big issue. Oh you can soften it and call it concerns or worry, but it’s fear and it holds you back. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons (excuses) we give for not delegating. 

• They won’t do it right and I will have to do it over. 
• They won’t do it right and I will get blamed! 
• No one knows enough to do it but me.  
• I can’t shove my work off on someone else. 
• If I give my work to the staff why will I be needed?

A closer look at these reasons (excuses) reveals that they are all fear-based. It may be mild like a worry, moderate as in concerned. or strong as in fearful.  Tell us what your reasons are in the comments section below. 

Here is a way to check out those fears.  For each fear ask yourself: 

1. Is this worry/fear realistic? 
2. Is it really, truly realistic? 
3. What is one thing I would like to delegate? 
4. What could I do to overcome this worry or barrier to delegating? 
5. What could I accomplish if I were relieved of some of these tasks?
6. Which tasks will I delegate and to whom?
7. Create an action plan 

For more help, discussion, and templates for delegating go to the resources section on the left side of this blog and click on the mini-workbook,”Delegation, Start Doing It Today” .  

What are your reasons for not delegating.  Please tell me in the comments section what your legitimate and illegitimate reasons for not delegating are.  I will assemble them into themes and get back to you on this blog.  Thanks.  

Tags: Delegation //