Avoid a Professional Plateau: Delegate

You’ve finally made it. You’re a leader with influence. You’re in the inner circle. Your ideas have inspired change within your organization. Now, instead of focusing on day-to-day tasks, you have big picture projects to worry about.  This is what you wanted right?

Like you, the vast majority of those in leadership positions got there because of their hard work and dedication. They worked the long hours, put in the extra effort, and paid their dues. But after those first successes are achieved, the well-intentioned habit of doing everything yourself can be detrimental, and even lead to a professional plateau. Leaders simply can’t do everything. In order to keep growing, they must trust their teams and delegate. 
Delegation is not natural. Especially to those who have clawed their way up the ladder. It can be difficult to let go and trust your team. Do it anyway. 

Know the strengths and preferences of your team members.  Most job descriptions have an “other work as assigned” clause. Use it. Empower your team to try new projects and help them understand what’s critical and why. 

Then, trust them to do the work. Set expectations and timelines and schedule project reviews. Think ahead about the projects you expect to manage for the next year. Meet to discuss them and delegate what you can. Share examples of past projects, but remember to let your team breathe new life into each one. Step out of the way and allow them to become invested in the work. 

It’s much better to delegate by choice than to wait until there is no other way to complete the work.  No one likes to be brought in at the last minute on an emergency project. 

Remember, you’ve been asked to lead.  Accept the challenge. Then, expect your team to play a larger role as you all move forward.