“I could have been a writer—” her eyes glaze over as an alternate version of herself accepts her third Booker award. “For God… can you just do it then!” His words fade into an inaudible hum… she has already stopped listening, opened up her default diary and reduced her working week to three days. Yes, it could be as easy as that!
Hands in the air if you want more time! Now for the catch – wait, there isn’t one! If you want to work less, and have more time to:
- Spend with your family
- Go on holiday
- Focus on sales
- Pick up a hobby
Then the only thing getting in your way is you – yes, you!
The importance of delegation
Delegation is something most people struggle with, but once you make time to delegate, you will never look back. If you want to take time out of the office and not think about the office, then delegate.
Want to avoid missing that crucial call or email, but feel too busy to sit by your phone refreshing your inbox? You guessed it – delegate!
It’s a common misconception that delegation means relinquishing control. In reality, it’s about recognising that you cannot do everything alone. The average worker spends about 40% of their time on tasks that could be delegated, which is a significant portion of your day. Imagine what you could achieve with that extra time!
Real-life case study: the power of delegation
Let’s look at a recent project that we worked on involving a group of directors, each doing their own thing. The problem? No one knew what the other was doing, leading to endless email threads and a breakdown in communication. This caused delayed work, stress, and fatigue. The only solution was delegation.
Taking the time to sit down and start delegating non-income-generating tasks enabled them to focus on what only they could do. As a result, everyone felt less stressed, had a clearer project overview, and reported feeling happier and less overwhelmed.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” By involving your team through delegation, you not only lighten your load but also empower others to take ownership of their tasks.
Tips for effective delegation
- Identify tasks to delegate: Start by assessing your workload. Which tasks could be handled by someone else? Admin tasks for a virtual assistant, diary management, and managed email marketing are great starting points.
- Choose the right people: Match tasks with team members based on their strengths. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant or designating someone in-house, ensure the right fit.
- Set clear expectations: Communication is key. Clearly outline the tasks, deadlines, and expected outcomes to avoid confusion.
- Trust the process: Once you delegate a task, resist the urge to micromanage. Trust that your team members will execute the tasks well, and be available for support if needed.
- Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on progress, and be open to adjusting roles or responsibilities if necessary.
The mindset for success
Making time to delegate is the best form of self-help! It’s about shifting your mindset from “I have to do everything myself” to “I can empower others to help me.” This change is crucial for long-term success.
Did you know that 70% of employees say that they would be more productive if they could focus on their core responsibilities? This statistic reinforces the importance of delegation in enhancing productivity across the board.
Embrace delegation for a balanced life
In conclusion, if you’re tired of the never-ending cycle of work and feel overwhelmed, remember that you don’t have to do it all. Delegation can be your ticket to a more balanced life, allowing you to spend time on what truly matters.
Ready to free up your time? Contact us today to learn how our virtual admin solutions can support you with delegation, from managing general admin tasks to handling your diary management needs.
FAQs
What is diary management?
Diary management involves efficiently organising and scheduling appointments, meetings, and events to optimise time and resources.
What is a virtual administrative assistant?
A virtual administrative assistant provides remote support for various administrative tasks, including email management and project coordination.
How can I hire a virtual PA?
You can hire a virtual PA through online platforms or dedicated virtual assistant companies that cater to your specific requirements.
What are the general admin tasks for a virtual assistant?
General admin tasks include managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, and other routine administrative duties.
What is the role of a virtual project manager?
A virtual project manager oversees projects remotely, ensuring timelines are met, and resources are used efficiently.
By embracing delegation, you’ll not only lighten your load but also enhance productivity and improve your overall quality of life. So why wait? Start delegating today!
To see how Eto & Flow could benefit your business, simply get in touch today – we’d love to walk you through your options.
