Today I’d like to share a strategy for any business owner who works with a team or an assistant, even a part time assistant. Many business owners have difficulty delegating because they feel that it would take less time to do it themselves, rather than explain to someone how to do it, wait for it to come back to them and then go back and forth. This is how most entrepreneurs delegate and frankly, it is a waste of time.
Whether your team is virtual or on-site (and this can also apply to the vendors you work with), your business will thrive and be more productive when you create an environment where delegation is focused on your team providing you with solutions, rather than more questions and problems.
Skillful delegating requires your team to bring you solutions, rather than questions and problems. (Click here to tweet this.)
I recommend you educate your team on 1) what needs to get done, 2) by when, and 3) with a very clear picture of what the ideal outcome looks like, including success criteria. That means, the team member has a clear image of what the end result looks like when it’s been done well.
But what happens when your team runs into a challenge where they must get your input or have you make a decision on a roadblock or problem? How do you not become the bottleneck and have your team take more ownership so they don’t rely so much on you, while producing much faster? Watch this week’s video on how to educate your team to bring you solutions, rather than questions or unsolved problems. Before you know it, everyone will be on board and problems will got solved easily and effectively.
Your Client Attraction Assignment
Whenever you’re brought a problem without a solution, ask them to come back with some potential solutions and pro’s and con’s for each. It may take a little while for everyone to get into the habit of bringing you only answers and solutions, rather than questions and problems to be solved, but the key is to be consistent. Before you know it, everyone will be on board and problems will got solved easily and effectively.
Comments 4
This is brilliant and so helpful, Fabienne! Thank you for your clear, step-by-step instructions.
You’re so welcome Nadine! Sending you hugs :)
Fabienne, if only I had someone else to delegate action items. I’m just reworking the priority list!
Hi Januari! I’ve found that for many people, the first big step of faith they will take in their business is to hire a VA. Have you thought about that? Here’s a link to a post I wrote that can help you get started: http://www.clientattraction.com/2013/07/4-steps-to-find-the-best-virtual-assistant-for-your-business.php