Stop Being a Control Freak: Delegate!

I used to believe no one could match my standards. Then I saw my team deliver better outcomes than I could imagine. ????

As leaders, we find ourselves juggling tasks and responsibilities while pretending to maintain our sanity. I've learned the hard way that trying to do everything yourself leads to mediocrity and there is a better way: delegation.

Let me introduce you to the DELEGATE framework that has transformed my leadership style and helped me build high-performing teams where people join me to succeed and grow.?

D - Decide to Let Go

Changing your mindset to decide to let go is hard. As a control freak, I know how challenging this can be. At GoDaddy, I struggled to let others define the quality criteria for our ranking algorithms. I was convinced no one could do it.

The truth was hard to accept: my team was more capable than I thought. Letting go isn't about lowering standards; it's about creating opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Identify tasks that don't require your unique expertise
• Challenge your assumptions about what only you can do
• Start small: delegate one task this week

E - Evaluate Tasks and Team to Delegate It To

Tasks are created equal, and you need to find someone uniquely suited for it. At Meta, I learned to match tasks with team members' strengths with their development goals and saw them soar.

Consider:

• The complexity and importance of the task
• The skills and experience required
• Your team members' strengths and growth areas

By evaluating the fit between tasks and team members, you open doors for your team and let them expand the box they operate in.

L - Lay Out the Details

Clear communication is the backbone of successful delegation. To ensure success, I developed a delegation checklist to ensure I covered all bases:

• Clearly define the objective and desired outcome
• Set specific deadlines and milestones
• Outline available resources and constraints
• Establish check-in points and communication channels

The goal is not to micromanage but to provide a clear blueprint for success.

E - Empower and Support

Delegation doesn't end with assigning the task. You shift your responsibility to that of a coach and mentor.?

How might you do that?

• Offer guidance without taking over
• Provide constructive feedback regularly
• Celebrate milestones and small victories
• Be available for questions and support

G - Gather Feedback and Reflect

After each delegated task, take time to reflect and gather feedback. This step is crucial for continuous improvement. At GoDaddy, we implemented a post-moretem review process that yielded invaluable insights.

Ask yourself and your team:

• What went well?
• What could have been done differently?
• Were the instructions clear enough?
• Did the team feel supported?

A - Adjust and Adapt

Delegation is a skill and it improves with practice. Adjust your approach based on your learnings. Use these insights to refine your delegation approach. These will help your team feel comfortable being given a stretch assignment, but give you confidence to delegate better each time.

• Experiment with different delegation techniques and areas
• Be open to feedback from your team
• Adapt your approach to different people and tasks

T - Trust?

Trust is the foundation of effective delegation. Resist the urge to micromanage. Learning to trust my team freed me up to focus on strategic initiatives and supporting my team’s long-term success.

• Set clear expectations, then step back.
• Avoid the temptation to "check in" too frequently.
• Focus your energy on high-level strategy and vision.

E - Encourage Growth from Successes and Failures

Delegation can be a very effective tool for team development. Implement a "stretch assignment" program where team members could volunteer for challenging tasks outside their comfort zones. This encourages voluntary participation based on areas the individuals would consider growing into.?

• Encourage team members to take on stretch assignments
• Provide a safety net for calculated risks
• Use failures as learning opportunities
• Celebrate and recognize successful delegation

By following the DELEGATE framework, you'll free up your time and build a more capable, confident team. Effective delegation is a muscle you need to build. Keep refining your approach, and you will see your productivity and your team's morale soar.

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