What do you do if you're feeling overwhelmed while delegating under pressure?

When faced with pressure or overwhelm, it's crucial to take a momentary pause. Under pressure, our minds struggle to accurately assess the situation, making it difficult to devise effective strategies for mitigation. Taking a pause allows the metaphorical "muddy water" of our thoughts to settle, providing clarity and perspective. Stepping away from the chaos grants us the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, resulting in a clearer understanding of the issues at hand. With a clear mind, decision-making becomes more manageable, enabling us to navigate challenges more effectively and make informed choices on various aspects of the situation.

When I'm overwhelmed, I have this 20 minutes breath-work meditation that I turn to which helps me create the space I need to process whatever emotions comes up. It is recommended to find your grounding technique to pause and focus inwards. I find breath-work helps with the necessary physiological change needed to do so.

Here's the short version: Stay calm, prioritize: Breathe, clear your head, then tackle the most urgent tasks first. Delegate smart: Match skills to tasks, give clear instructions and deadlines, and trust your team. Manage expectations: Don't micromanage, set achievable deadlines, and welcome questions. Keep talking: Check in with your team and address any roadblocks that pop up.

The first step is to take a deep breath and acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Next, try to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to prevent feeling inundated. Communicate openly with your team about your feelings and the support you need. Delegation doesn't mean you have to do everything alone; it's about trusting others to share the load. Also, be flexible and willing to adjust your approach if necessary. Finally, remember to practice self-compassion and give yourself credit for the effort you're putting in!

Prioritize tasks based on urgency. Not everything requires immediate attention. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others. Trust your team members to take on responsibilities. Communicate openly with your team about the pressure you’re feeling. They may offer support or suggest alternative approaches. Remember, delegation is about leveraging collective strengths. Don’t hesitate to seek help or adjust your approach when needed. You’re not alone in this!

Effective engagement with the team goes beyond surface-level interactions aimed solely at task completion. Trust and respect are nurtured when team members sense genuine interest from their leaders. Rapport building is pivotal in this aspect. Often, task completion hinges not solely on managerial authority but on the rapport fostered within the team. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more motivated, committed, and capable of achieving collective goals.

Introspection serves as a valuable tool when approached objectively, devoid of ego or bias. Engaging in private reflection enables us to uncover previously unseen solutions, comprehend diverse perspectives, and invigorate our approach with fresh insights. However, it's important to recognize that excessive introspection can be counterproductive. Private reflection plays a pivotal role in refining our delegation skills, thereby facilitating our professional growth.

To quote Ross from Friends: "PIVOT!" So you aren't having as much success with your current shippers; start looking for a new one. Sales aren't working out as planned? Time to change strategy. Pressure in any industry can absolutely be overwhelming, and managing that stress is important. New strategies, new ways of looking at things, new thought processes, etc., whatever is needed you MUST pivot and take that time out of your day to regroup and relax. Because your best asset to your company is no good if it's worn down and distressed, and that asset is you.

Before launching into instructions, take a moment to silently observe your team. Who seems energized? Who has a lighter workload? Notice their strengths and current tasks. By becoming a silent observer, you can tailor delegations to each team member's capabilities and capacity, avoiding overload. Remember, mindful delegation isn't just about the task, it's about your team. A quick observation can lead to clearer assignments, a more motivated team, and a smoother workflow under pressure.

See, it's crucial to methodically assess these situations, which experienced leaders often manage through what seems like muscle memory. Overwhelming typically arises when there’s an imbalance between the volume of tasks and the available time or resources, and/or skills gap that exacerbates the pressure. Employing mindfulness enables you to leverage your team's strengths and aspirations effectively. The ability to think what they are thinking. Consider both the immediate and long-term implications of your delegation decisions. Instead of assigning mere tasks, give the team clear goals, the broader vision, and their integral role within it. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and alignment with the project.