Delegation in Leadership: How to Let Go & Empower Your Team

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As leaders, many of us have faced the challenge of delegation. It’s tough to loosen our grip, especially when we care deeply about the quality of work and the success of our teams. But trying to do it all ourselves can lead to burnout and frustration—for us and our team. I recently had a listener to my podcast ask me:

"How can I let go of the need to control everything and trust my team more?"

Delegation is a skill that requires intention and practice. If you're struggling with it, you're not alone. Here are some key things that can help you shift from control to trust and create a team that thrives.

1. Recognize the Real Problem

If you constantly take tasks back or feel frustrated with results, it might be time to look inward. I’ve been there—feeling like everything falls back on me no matter how much I try to delegate. But the hard truth? The issue often starts with us as leaders. If the same patterns keep repeating, it’s a sign that something in our approach needs to change.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Clarity is the cornerstone of effective delegation. When tasks aren’t done as expected, ask yourself:

• Have I been crystal clear about what success looks like?
• Have I outlined the steps and provided the necessary support upfront?

It’s easy to assume your team just knows, but they can’t read your mind. Take the time to share your process, explain your standards, and outline specific expectations. This upfront investment prevents miscommunication and sets your team up for success.

3. Shift from Micromanagement to Ownership

Micromanaging doesn’t just drain your energy—it stifles your team’s creativity and confidence. Instead, focus on encouraging ownership.

Here’s how:

• Assign clear responsibilities: Be specific about who owns what.
• Set checkpoints: Regular progress reviews ensure accountability without constant oversight.
• Support, don’t hover: Let your team know you’re there to help, but trust them to deliver.

Ownership helps your team feel invested in the outcomes, not just the tasks.

4. Let Go of Perfection

Perfection is a myth. Holding your team to impossibly high standards can be discouraging and counterproductive. Instead of aiming for perfection, prioritize progress.

Here’s an example from my own experience: I used to redo designs from my team because they didn’t match my personal preferences. Eventually, I realized that their work was more than “good enough”—it was effective. Letting go allowed them to grow, and now, they’re better at it than I ever was! They felt discouraged that I would "redo" their work, and they stopped trying. Don't let perfection keep your team from even trying because they feel they can never "measure up."

Ask yourself: Is this good enough to move forward? If yes, let it go and focus on coaching for continuous improvement.

5. Explain the “Why” Behind Tasks

When your team understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they feel more connected and motivated. Take time to explain:

• Why this task matters.
• How it fits into the company’s goals.
• The impact their work has on overall success.

Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why, is a fantastic resource for exploring this concept further.

6. Start Small and Build Momentum

Delegation doesn’t have to begin with high-stakes projects. Start with smaller tasks to build trust and confidence. Celebrate wins, and gradually work up to more significant responsibilities.

Small successes create momentum, building your team’s confidence and your trust in their abilities.

7. Debrief and Provide Feedback

Once a task is complete, take time to reflect with your team:

• What went well?
• What could be improved?

Regular feedback helps your team grow and gives you insights into how you can better support them in the future.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about empowering your team to succeed. When you step back and trust your team, you give them the space to grow, innovate, and take ownership.

The next time you feel the urge to micromanage or fix every detail, remember: Progress beats perfection. Focus on encouraging clarity, ownership, and trust. It’s a win-win for you and your team. Let’s all strive to be the kind of leaders who grow everyone around us. After all, it starts with us.