How To Delegate & Empower Your Team

In my two decades as a coach, I’ve helped business owners, professionals and executives with everything from hiring their first part-time assistant to managing hundreds of employees inside large corporations.

When it comes to delegating, I coach on both the logistics and the mindset needed to be a great boss as those two factors combined make all the difference. My tagline is “success without exhaustion for women” so I love helping clients find ways to focus on their genius while others use their skills to support them and the larger company vision.

Most women know the importance of delegating - but it can be tricky for some to figure out what to assign and how to manage so that work gets done and people stay happy.

Here are some tips on getting the best from your team so you (and they) can thrive.

Deciding what to delegate

No matter what field you’re in, getting help can support your ability to scale and advance. But deciding what you (and only you) should be working on while giving control to others is often easier said than done.

When I coach clients on their first hire, for example, I’ll have them list all the things that annoy them at work - tasks they’re not good at, activities that take too much time or details that keep them from driving business.

This becomes a master list that they can adjust, prioritize and assign over time. Plus, it can be translated into a job description to help secure the right support from the start.

While I’ve coached many who find it challenging to give up aspects of their work, the relief that comes when things are taken care of by others is profound. The ability to focus on your strengths and priorities can have a big impact on your work and help you to breathe more easily too.

Tracking and accountability

The key to ensuring that you get the best from your team is for you to stay organized - even if others are hired to organize you.

I’ve had clients with amazing assistants, business managers and COO’s whose job it is to keep them on track. But without planning and structure on your end, those that work with you can’t get the guidance and direction they need.

To be an effective manager, it’s important to know exactly what you want from your team and have a clear way to communicate that - both through direct meetings and systems you use to collaborate. Scheduling regular check-ins helps with productivity, accountability and keeps everyone involved updated, engaged and aware of expectations.

Many managers start by meeting regularly but become less consistent over time and find that relationships and results suffer. While it’s important not to overschedule, your clarity and your attention gives those who support you the greatest chance to do great work.

Empowering your team

I often hear from leaders who are frustrated with the speed, quality of work and lack of initiative that team members show.

If you’ve experienced this before, you know that some employees are not the right fit from the start while others struggle to keep up as their role evolves. But if someone you hire is right for the job and you know they have potential, your goal as a boss is to empower them.

Give them ownership of projects so they’re committed to the outcomes. Let them know why they are an integral part of the company vision. Most importantly, find out what helps them to work at their best, especially when challenges arise.

When a good employee is struggling, it’s best to approach them with curiosity, not frustration. Be open to hearing their experience and their perspective - and ask them how they can improve instead of trying to figure that out yourself.

Helping your staff to solve their own problems and rise up to their full potential is what true collaborative leadership is about. Along with boosting morale and supporting retention, you’ll see better results in the business and have a better work experience too.

Connect with Courtney and level up at work

I love coaching clients on their delegation skills and while that’s just one aspect of my Passion Success & Balance Coaching Method, it’s key to creating more success with less stress. If you want to know how I can support you on delegation, negotiation, communication and more, schedule a complimentary Coaching Consultation so we can discuss.