{"id":353,"date":"2016-10-28T12:46:09","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T16:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/?p=353"},"modified":"2018-04-17T14:33:30","modified_gmt":"2018-04-17T18:33:30","slug":"top-5-barriers-to-delegation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/?p=353","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Barriers to Delegation"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all have so much to do, and so little time.\u00a0 It\u2019s become the way of life for most of us.\u00a0 The affliction is expressed in many different ways; \u201cI\u2019m so busy,\u201d \u201cI have so much on my plate,\u201d \u201cThere is never enough time,\u201d \u201cI can\u2019t catch up,\u201d \u201cI have no idea how I\u2019m going to get it all done.\u201d \u00a0 With the frequency we say and hear these things, it would seem that we\u2019d be open to help for our condition.\u00a0 Yet, with many of my clients, the opposite continually rings true.\u00a0 The mere suggestion that a co-worker, employee, manager or subordinate could help lighten the load is more often than not met with \u201cOh, I could never to that!\u201d.<\/p>\n

Women in higher management tend to struggle with delegation the most.\u00a0 Seems paradoxical, but it\u2019s true.\u00a0 Delegating was an easier task for many when coming up through the ranks, but I find that once women reach a certain level, they are remiss to let go of the reigns so to speak.\u00a0 Below is a list of the most common barriers to delegation, and their common rationales behind them.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Perfectionism<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>This issue is by far the most difficult challenge women face, regardless of their level, but it is especially pervasive at the top.\u00a0 Many women feel they\u2019ve worked really hard for a long time to get where they are, and fear losing what they\u2019ve gained.\u00a0 To them, delegation means losing control of the outcome or that the work or project won\u2019t live up to their high standards or expectations.\u00a0 In reality, having everything \u2018just right\u2019 can often cause much larger issues such as missing deadlines and burnout.\u00a0 The anxiety that accompanies this often leads to depression and never feeling that they or their work is \u2018good enough.\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Do It Myself Attitude<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>This excuse is common in technical fields, finance or analysis-heavy projects.\u00a0 Women who have this attitude often take great pride in their knowledge base and find it very difficult to accept that someone else could do just as good of a job.\u00a0 Some women in this category fear that if they do delegate and someone else does a good (or better) job, the employee will get all the credit and recognition.\u00a0 This issue runs strong in women who crave affirmation and thrive on recognition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Guilt in Delegating \u2013 <\/strong>Guilt is a combo issue. \u00a0On one hand, you may have the assumption that you should be able to do it all and if you delegate you may look weak and unable to carry the load. \u00a0On the other hand, you may be reluctant to add more to your employees\u2019 plates. \u00a0Perhaps they are already working hard, don’t make high salaries, or the organization is going through a difficult time. \u00a0This may have some validity, but it still does not warrant stunting the growth of your team.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \n
        1. Fear of Telling Others What to do and Reaping Criticism \u2013 <\/strong>As a female leader, you may garner some criticism for telling others what to do.\u00a0 You may get responses verbally and through body language that imply, “Who do you think you are, anyway?” \u00a0Well, you are the boss.\u00a0 Time to grow thicker skin! \u00a0If you don’t delegate for fear of receiving push back or criticism, you are allowing yourself to be held hostage by others.\u00a0 Others may call you bossy. \u00a0Heed this quote from Mikki Paradis, “I’m not bossy. \u00a0I am THE boss. \u00a0Those who don’t understand the difference have no room in my world.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n
          1. Understanding of What the Job Entails \u2013 <\/strong>This happens when women think they have to have \u2018all the answers\u2019 and can\u2019t ask for help.\u00a0 They worry that if they don\u2019t know something, they will appear inept.\u00a0 Women leaders who don\u2019t delegate because of this roadblock can overcome it when they realize that no one has all the answers or the inside scoop on how to do it all correctly and efficiently.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Benefits of Delegating<\/strong><\/p>\n

            When rising to the ranks of leadership, your role should naturally become more visionary with a focus on the bigger picture and outcomes.\u00a0 Your role transforms from working \u2018in\u2019 the business to working \u2018on\u2019 the business.\u00a0 As such a top priority as a leader must include developing the leader in others.\u00a0 Below are some of the key benefits of delegating as it relates to leadershipes\u2019.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Empowers others<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Delegating gives others a sense of empowerment.\u00a0 Any control issues you may have at the onset will diminish as your team members feel empowered to take tasks head on.<\/li>\n
            2. Builds confidence in others<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>You were given a team because someone had confidence in you and your abilities.\u00a0 Someone took a chance on you.\u00a0 Model that behavior by showing your confidence in others with delegating tasks that are either new to them, or just out of their comfort zone.<\/li>\n
            3. Develops others<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Delegating something complex (that you may think takes too long to explain), has a big payout here.\u00a0 Teaching and training develops others to a higher level, increases their capacity, and makes them a more valuable asset to the team.\u00a0 It also increases their sense of self-worth.<\/li>\n
            4. Builds trust<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>There is nothing worse than secrets, mistrust and skepticism in the workplace.\u00a0 It not only destroys relationships; it is incredibly counterproductive to the business.\u00a0 Delegating important projects builds trust, especially when comes with significant responsibility.\u00a0 It says, \u201cI know you can do this!\u201d to your employee.<\/li>\n
            5. Breaks down barriers<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Delegating takes time and can strengthen relationships.\u00a0 Done correctly, it can create an environment of transparency where manager and employees feel safe in their roles and responsibilities, and know that someone always \u2018has their back.\u2019<\/li>\n
            6. Builds a strong team<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Delegating based on team members\u2019 strengths will grow each one stronger.\u00a0 Instead of fearing that you won\u2019t get the credit, letting individuals shine in the limelight will reflect well on the whole team.<\/li>\n
            7. Developing leadership<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>When your team grows strong and their leadership is recognized throughout the company, it will reflect well on you.\u00a0 While it\u2019s true that something could indeed go wrong (if that is your fear) people learn through their mistakes and the mistakes of others.\u00a0 It\u2019s all an important part of the development process, as the learning is applied going forward.<\/li>\n
            8. Shows your faith in them<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>If you are known for perfectionistic tendencies, delegating to a team member can convey your faith in them.\u00a0 If your team knows you have very high standards, and you delegate with words of encouragement and positivity, they will be assured of your faith in them.<\/li>\n
            9. Builds loyalty<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>If your employees feel like they are on the receiving end of your trust and faith while also being developed as a leader, they will become fiercely loyal.\u00a0 Your fear of appearing weak to others will be allayed when your company recognizes how committed your team is to you and their work.<\/li>\n
            10. Encourages new ways of thinking \u2013 <\/strong>You may have always done things a certain way, and it\u2019s been good.\u00a0 Imagine delegating some of your favorite tasks and having them tweaked or built upon to be even better or stronger. This provides both an opportunity to recognize someone for their abilities, while providing efficiencies that have a positive impact on the business.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              I\u2019ve seen transformative results when women conquer hurdles to delegation.\u00a0 One such instance occurred when I helped a client to delegate by overcoming her fear of being too bossy.\u00a0 Growing up she continually heard messages from her mother like \u201cstop being so bossy \u2013 you\u2019ll never have any friends.\u201d\u00a0 She internalized this message through adulthood.\u00a0 It manifested by her pushing down her ideas and needs, deferring to what others wanted in the hopes that everyone would \u201clike her.\u201d\u00a0 Some of her needs were to delegate, and it was almost impossible for her to do it.<\/p>\n

              I helped her realize that she could establish boundaries for herself and outline the needs of the business (which included delegating) without being bossy.\u00a0 This was a huge revelation for her.\u00a0 Further, I helped her understand that if she executed these requests with diplomacy and professionalism, others would respect her more.\u00a0 This was a completely different way for her to operate versus trying to be a pleaser all the time.\u00a0 As a result, she was able to work with a new empowered attitude and work much more effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\n

              Smart Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Did you find yourself identifying with any of the barriers to delegation, but also encouraged because you sparked to some of the benefits it could have? \u00a0I have guided hundreds of women who have successfully faced and conquered their challenges of delegating projects and authority.\u00a0 If you would like someone to walk with on this journey, I would love to be your guide.\u00a0 Email me at kay@highheeledsuccess.com<\/a> or give me a call at (513) 561-4288 to discuss how I can help.<\/p>\n

              \u00a9Copyright 2016.\u00a0 Kay Fittes.\u00a0 All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              We all have so much to do, and so little time.\u00a0 It\u2019s become the way of life for most of us.\u00a0 The affliction is expressed in many different ways; \u201cI\u2019m so busy,\u201d \u201cI have so much on my plate,\u201d \u201cThere is never enough time,\u201d \u201cI can\u2019t catch up,\u201d \u201cI have no idea how I\u2019m going<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[3,26,4,17],"tags":[47,27,48,6,42],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7Qkhe-5H","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=353"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":462,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353\/revisions\/462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.highheeledsuccess.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}