The Art of Letting Go
Do you always focus on things you have to do and not what you want to do? You need to learn the art of letting go. In this episode, Andrea and Michelle discuss why you shouldn’t have to do everything yourself and how to delegate and set goals for your team. If you set a big picture for everyone, the task is clear and you no longer have to worry about if it’s getting done or not. Michelle talks about her approach to project management and allowing her team to learn new things instead of just sitting around watching. Andrea brings up that you need to also set realistic expectations for your team to allow them room to grow and not be stressed.
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The Art of Letting Go by Delegating
In the hustle of modern life, the art of letting go of tasks and responsibilities is paramount. Yet, all too often, we find having an ever-growing to-do list overwhelming, making ourselves “busy” all the time. During these moments of chaos and frenzy, knowing ‘when’ to delegate emerges as a dividing point between taking care of our mental health, being productive, and letting our team support us while developing new skills.
Delegation is more than just handing off tasks to others; it's a bond of trust, communication, and empowerment between you and your team. On this episode of the Leadership Hustle Podcast, Andrea and Michelle will discuss the art of letting go and why delegating is significant to allow people to grow.
Why Are You Always Busy? Unveiling the Myth of Productivity
Have you ever wondered why everyone seems “too busy” these days? It has evolved as an automated response to keep up with the demands of work and life. In today's world, many wear their overflowing schedules as badges of honor. But amidst the chaos, it's crucial to pause and ask yourself: why am I always so busy?
Do I Need to Do All These Tasks?
One of the first questions to ponder is whether all the tasks on your plate are truly necessary and do they need to be done by you. It's easy to fall into the trap of busyness, adding item after item to our to-do lists without stopping and questioning their value or relevance. Take a step back and evaluate each task critically. Are there any that can be eliminated or delegated to others? The art of letting go lies in recognizing that not everything needs to be done by you.
Am I Productive?
Busyness does not necessarily equate to productivity. The two can often be at odds with each other. While you may be constantly on the move, ticking off tasks left and right, productivity truly is about focusing on high-impact activities that align with your goals and priorities. Take a closer look at how you're spending your time. Are you investing time in activities that move the needle forward, or are you just spinning your wheels?
Can I Trust Someone Else with This Workload?
Delegating tasks can be daunting, especially if you're accustomed to shouldering the burden alone. However, learning to trust others with your workload is a crucial skill in the art of letting go. Consider whether there are team members or colleagues who are capable of taking on some of your tasks. By releasing control and empowering others, you reduce your burden and cultivate a sense of ownership and development within your team, allowing them to learn and develop new skills.
Should Someone Else Be Doing All of This?
Finally, it's worth questioning whether you're the right person to be handling all of the tasks on your plate. Delegation is about leveraging the strengths and expertise of those around you. Are there tasks better suited to someone else's skill set or role? By redistributing responsibilities strategically, you can optimize efficiency and effectiveness across the board.
The Role of Effective Communication when Delegating Tasks
Effective communication serves as the foundation of successful delegation, enabling clear understanding, alignment, and accountability among team members. Within this context, setting boundaries and identifying non-negotiables ensures that expectations are clear and everyone is on the same page.
Setting Boundaries
Boundaries define the parameters of delegated tasks, clarifying expectations and what is not. Communicating upfront helps prevent misunderstandings while ensuring team members know where their responsibilities begin and end. Whether defining the scope of a project, specifying deadlines, or outlining the level of autonomy granted, setting boundaries provides a framework for effective delegation.
Moreover, setting boundaries is not solely about delineating limits but also about fostering open communication. Encouraging team members to voice concerns or seek clarification regarding boundaries cultivates a culture of transparency and collaboration. Applying open-ended communication helps everyone feel empowered to contribute and express themselves.
Non negotiables
In addition to boundaries, identifying non negotiables establishes essential parameters that must be adhered to without exception. These non-negotiables may include quality standards, ethical guidelines, or legal requirements that are not open to compromise. By clearly communicating non-negotiables, you reinforce the importance of certain principles or standards, ensuring them throughout the delegation process. When team members grasp the non-negotiable facets of their tasks, they can engage in their work with assurance, recognizing that specific core principles must be honored irrespective of the situation.
Embracing the Power of Delegation
Throughout this blog, we've learned that delegation is as much an art as a science. It requires finesse, intuition, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability. It's about empowering others to shine, fostering a culture of accountability and growth, and ultimately, achieving collective success. As we conclude, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the insights gained. Let us challenge the myth of busyness, reclaim our time, and focus on what truly matters.
Trust in the abilities of those around you, communicate your expectations clearly and watch as your workload lightens and your team flourishes. In the end, delegation is not just about getting things done—it's about unlocking the full potential of yourself and those around you. Embrace it, practice it, and watch as the possibilities unfold.
Start Seeing Results Today
Ready to see the results you want in your organization and elevate your leadership to the next level? Need some help implementing effective leadership in your organization? Contact Revela Group today for tips and leadership mentoring.
About the Hosts
Andrea Fredrickson
Andrea Fredrickson is a thought leader and consultant at Revela, an organization based in Omaha, Nebraska specializing in the development of leaders, culture alignment, and business strategy for private and family businesses of all sizes. Revela is one of the region's most experienced thought challengers, helping individuals and companies find their greatness. Andrea has built an amazing team by believing that fundamentally people want to be successful and become better versions of themselves.
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Andrea has degrees in education, management, and business. She is the author of Insight Unseen; How to lead with 20/20 business vision. She helps people see things differently, self-reflect, and never stop looking for ways to improve themselves on a personal and professional level. Andrea has spent more than 30 years researching and developing methods to help people communicate and lead more effectively.
When Andrea isn’t working with clients, you’ll find her spending time with her family & friends and making memories by exploring new cities.
Michelle Hill
Michelle Hill is a master facilitator and coach at Revela, an organization specializing in the development of leaders and aligning the culture of privately held and family businesses of all sizes. Revela is one of the region's most experienced thought challengers, helping individuals and companies find their greatness.
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An ambitious leader, Michelle has the natural ability to create forward momentum to build teams and get results. She inspires others to look within themselves and to challenge the status quo. She helps create high-performing environments. Michelle brings a diverse background: operations, employee development, and sales in the steel, hospitality, and consulting industries.
Outside of work, you will see her competitive side engaged in her daughter’s sports and ISU athletics. She loves life, her four-legged companions, and captures all the moments through her camera’s lens.
TRANSCRIPT
Andrea Frederickson: We know everyone's busy and people focus on the things they have to do, not necessarily the things they want to do. On this episode of The Leadership Hustle, we'll talk about the art of letting go so you get to spend more time doing the things you want. Hello and welcome to the Leadership Puzzle for executives whose companies are growing fast and need leaders who are ready. Hey, I'm Andrea Frederickson, and I have Michelle Hill with me today. Hello. And today we are going to address the topic of letting go. And this topic came about because Michelle and I have recently been hearing the response to the question, so how are you? And the answer has been, I am so busy, I'm good, but I'm busy.