Delegating: It May Be Life or Death
As I am preparing for our first web workshop on the topic of delegating, I remember when I finally learned how to delegate. I was serving as the President of the Board for a non-profit, business networking organization seven years ago. I felt competent, confident, in control of all aspects of the organization, and capable of making any decision required. In other words, I believed that it was I, and I alone, who could run the organization successfully. It was difficult for me to trust others, to let go and let people learn from their mistakes. Isn't this the trap that many skilled professionals fall into?
One event changed my outlook: my twin brother died unexpectedly. As I began to grieve his loss, I felt overwhelmed, out of control, and unable to function fully. And a life-changing shift occurred. I realized I would have to release control of the many tasks, projects, and meetings to the executive team; I would have to trust that they could handle it all. And, of course, they did. The knowledge that I gained from this experience has served me well in being the President/CEO of NetSpeed Leadership.
It may not take a death of a loved one to cause you to delegate. If you're not already delegating work to your team, what's holding you back? What would you gain if you began to delegate? Don't wait—delegate!
