Delegating: Can You Do it?

Enlist Have you ever said, "my customers expect to deal only with me" or "I can do it better and quicker myself?" If you have, you may be a control freak. What difference does that make? Well, if you're going to do it all yourself, you're going to limit how much you can do. If you want to manage your business smarter and grow it, you've got to delegate. Actually, doing everything yourself is okay when you first start out; but as your company grows, you've got to get others to do work that you might have thought was exclusively yours. Sharing the responsibility and authority with employees is a challenge for many business owners, particularly when they are used to dealing with "their" customers on a personal basis. "That sounds like a good idea," you say. "How can I do it?" Well, the first trick is to hire qualified and smart people. Then trust them and show them that you trust them. Good people will want to respond if they really feel they have an opportunity to make some decisions on their own. Here are the. steps you will need to go through to give yourself the power to delegate:

• Admit you can't do it all, then add another employee or add to a current employee's duties.
• You're the boss, but you're not infallible. Admit you're only human and so are your employees. You make mistakes and so will your employees. Treat them with respect and they will respect you.
• Be patient. Take time to fully explain the project you've delegated. Then explain it again, and again if necessary. Check back with your employees shortly after you've given them the assignment and ask them how they're coming. (Don't ask every day.)
• Provide a time frame. When you give someone something to do, tell them when you want it done. Then they'll know what their time requirements are.
• Provide feedback. Don't wait until it's all over with and presented to you to tell your employee they did it wrong. Help them along the way, by asking questions to find out how the project is coming.
• Show your pride. Brag on your employees to your customers. Those employees will feel important and be loyal to you.

Lastly, what do you do with your customers who still demand to talk to you and only you? Tell them, "I know you have confidence in me. Have confidence that I have hired people who can help you. Work with them, but remember I'm always here when you need me:"

If you follow the above steps, you will increase your business, make your life easier, and lose 15 pounds. Try it. If it doesn't work, give me a call.