4 Reasons Why Delegation is Essential   

In my workshop on “How to Empower Employees Through Effective Delegation,” I often pose a crucial question to the audience: What stops you from delegating? The responses typically highlight common concerns: 

• Results were not what we expected or wanted. 

• The task wasn’t completed within the allocated time. 

• It was too hard or time-consuming to show and explain what was required. 

• Team members don’t have the skills necessary to complete the tasks. 

• Team members don’t have enough time. 

• I had to fix it (or do more to it) after it was handed back. 

I completely understand these hesitations, but I also believe that when delegation is done right, these points become moot. Delegation is not just a nice-to-have; it is an essential skill for any leader aiming to ascend the career ladder. As Andrew Carnegie famously said, “No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.” 

Having written a bestselling book, Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation, I frequently receive questions from leaders around the globe, such as, “Kylie, how do I get delegation right in the first place?” To assist you in this journey, I want to share my top four reasons why delegation is essential for leaders. 

1. Frees Up Time 

Achieving the right balance between strategic and tactical responsibilities is crucial for any leader, especially given the multitude of demands on your time. A survey conducted by the Strategic Thinking Institute revealed that 96% of leaders felt they lacked time for strategic thinking—a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. 

When leaders delegate certain tasks to others, they can focus on higher-value activities, using their time more productively. Delegation not only creates space for strategic thinking but also allows leaders to engage in tasks that require their unique expertise, such as coaching their teams. I’ve seen leaders transition from being merely busy to becoming truly productive by embracing delegation. 

While many people assume delegation requires a significant time investment, the reality is that the time spent upfront to set it up correctly pays dividends in freeing up time later. In my workshops, I teach leaders how to set up delegation effectively so they can reclaim productive time in their day. 

2. Encourages the Prioritisation of Tasks 

Delegation begins with determining which tasks can be delegated and which cannot. Prioritising tasks helps leaders identify the most critical items to be delegated and decide who should take them on. 

One effective tool for developing a prioritisation system for delegation is the Eisenhower Matrix. This framework categorises tasks based on their urgency and importance, enabling leaders to make informed decisions about what to delegate. By using this matrix, leaders can ensure that their focus remains on strategic initiatives while empowering team members to handle other responsibilities. 

3. Empowers Employees 

Delegation serves to empower employees by providing them the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. When team members step outside their usual activities and take on new tasks or engage in decision-making, they become more invested in the outcomes. This sense of involvement can energise them and foster excitement, making them feel valued. 

Delegation enhances a sense of importance within the team, fostering deeper commitment and engagement. Simple acts, like asking a team member to draft a project proposal or test a new system and share their findings, can significantly impact their sense of belonging and ownership. 

4. Supports New Skill Development 

Delegation is not only about offloading tasks; it also plays a vital role in skill development for both leaders and team members. When leaders delegate, they learn essential skills such as communication, providing feedback, ensuring accountability, coaching, and empowering others. At the same time, team members gain new skills and experiences by engaging in tasks they may not have handled before. 

These new opportunities allow team members to interact with colleagues across different functions and develop competencies that enhance their contributions. Effective delegation requires thoughtful consideration of what to delegate, to whom, and how it can benefit the entire team. 

Effective delegation is more than simply assigning tasks; it’s about empowering your team, enhancing productivity, and fostering skill development. By embracing delegation, you not only free up your time to focus on strategic initiatives but also encourage your team members to grow and excel. 

So, what is one task you need to delegate today? Take a moment to reflect on your responsibilities and consider how delegation can improve not only your workload but also the performance of your team. By taking this step, you will be investing in both your success as a leader and the growth of your employees. 

Now, over to you. What is one thing you can delegate this week to someone on your team? Start by identifying a task and considering who among your team would benefit most from the responsibility.

Delegating effectively not only helps you manage your workload but also strengthens your team’s capabilities and engagement. Remember, by choosing the right person, you’re setting both them and the task up for success. 

Want to Learn More? 

For more insights on effective leadership and delegation, be sure to check out my book, Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation. This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies for empowering your team, fostering growth, and achieving leadership excellence. Click here to find out more and see how you can purchase a copy today. 

PS – Whenever you’re ready, here are FIVE ways I can help you become a better leader… 

1. Take my FREE masterclass “3 Steps to Leadership Excellence”

A step-by-step roadmap to guide you from wherever you are now on your leadership journey to becoming a truly world-class leader.

2. Read my book “Empowering Employees Through Effective Delegation”

If you lead a team, you need to master delegation. Learn how to delegate effectively and what to do if it all goes wrong.

3. Book a 15-Minute “Discovery Call”

Develop a personalised leadership development plan that will get you results in the next 6 to 12 weeks and beyond.

4. Want to up your Leadership Game to the next level? Register to our Leadership Development Program

Find out more about our Leadership Excellence Program – Equipping leaders with the necessary skills to lead high-performing teams.

5. Take our 3-minute quiz to discover your Top 10 People Leadership Strengths

Thousands of people have taken our quiz and used their strengths to achieve their goals. Take the quiz today and see what you can achieve.