Embracing Delegation: Unleashing Efficiency and Authentic Leadership

Join global leaders in?subscribing here?for future editions, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom for a complimentary session!

:::::::

Delegation stands as the cornerstone of efficiency (and leads to living an authentic life).

I talk to many leaders who are unwilling to delegate certain aspects of what they do. There is one word that usually sums up why:

CONTROL.

Many leaders are tempted to hold tightly to things they should be giving over to others. Think about the picture this paints in an organization - a closed fist.?

Leaders must be willing to release specific tasks and responsibilities if they want to be efficient. I know getting to this point can be challenging, but once we release control, it’s one of the most liberating feelings in the world. Now think of the picture this paints - an open hand.

Inside Out leaders influence organizational culture by making sure to always hold their purpose, people, and processes with an open hand.

Fear is often what drives a leader’s control issues - fear of the unknown, not knowing if the job will get done right, etc. Many leaders want things done the way they would do it. Putting these responsibilities in the hands of someone who might do it differently or better is intimidating. They may also be afraid of others finding out that they don’t know as much as they think.

These fears reveal a leader’s insecurities. It’s a vulnerable place to be, so many rely on their default mechanism (control) to steer the ship. It feeds what we now call Imposter Syndrome, a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments to the degree they feel like a fraud.

As a result, they end up building an organization around themselves, not others. This kind of control hinders team empowerment and stunts long-term growth.

To be willing and able to let go, leaders must be secure in who they are and the strengths they've been given. This is so foundational that I devoted my first book, Lead the Way, to helping leaders discover or rediscover who they are.?

When a leader understands and embraces their strengths and weaknesses, they can begin to leverage both. A weakness for them may be a strength for a colleague. From this awareness, our desire for teamwork grows.

Reflection

• What responsibilities are you willing to give up?

(**Content is taken from Chapter 8 in my latest book,?'Move the Needle: How Inside Out Leadership Influence Organizational Culture')

__________________________

Calling Executives and Senior Leaders: Join Our Monthly Empowerment Session for Free

Join?Marcel Schwantes, an international speaker, executive coach, and syndicated columnist attracting over 2 million readers monthly to his thought leadership, and yours truly for our monthly conversations on leadership and professional well-being. No slide decks, bullet points, or boring lectures here. We're keeping it real and personal, discussing daily challenges that impact leaders, and engaging in stimulating conversations that involve YOU. This month, we discuss the role that INSPIRATION plays in our mental health and wellbeing.

This event is?free?to all leaders!?Register here?for the August 17 leadership conversation.

NOTE: Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. Arrive early to grab your spot!