The Power of Delegation

The Power of Delegation: From Doing to Leading

Several years ago, I was assigned a leadership coach from Right Management. Her name was Hope, and she shared insights that have stayed with me throughout my leadership journey. Of all the lessons I learned, the most valuable was delegation. I won’t claim mastery, but I’m certainly far better at it today than I was 15 years ago.

Leadership Is More Than Just Doing

The road to leadership is paved with action - leaders step up when others hesitate, tackling what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. This relentless drive is a hallmark of great leadership, but taken too far, it can become a leader’s biggest liability.

At some point, leaders must transition from doing to leading. Making that shift successfully requires a skill that many find difficult to embrace: delegation.


Delegation Expands Your Capacity

Delegation isn’t just about getting things off your plate; it’s about maximizing your impact. When you trust others with tasks, you free yourself to focus on strategic priorities, see the bigger picture, and lead more effectively. More importantly, you empower your team, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and ownership.


What Should You Delegate?

Not everything should stay on your plate. Ask yourself:
“Is this really where I should be spending my time?”

Consider delegating:

• Routine tasks and minor decisions that don’t require your direct involvement.
• Responsibilities that can continue in your absence, ensuring smooth operations.
• Opportunities for others to grow, allowing team members to build new skills and confidence.

Don’t Hoard Work Just Because You Do It Best


Many leaders hesitate to delegate because they think, “No one can do this as well as I can.” But holding onto tasks simply because you’re good at them doesn’t just limit your own growth, it stunts your team’s development too.


Delegation is a powerful tool for building future leaders. It gives your team the chance to:

• Learn through experience
• Take risks in a controlled setting
• Gain confidence and expertise

By sharing responsibility, you strengthen your organization and create a foundation for long-term success.

Delegation Takes Discipline

Like any leadership skill, delegation requires practice. It’s not a one-time decision but an ongoing process of trusting, coaching, and letting go. The best leaders understand that leadership isn’t about doing everything, it’s about empowering others to succeed.


So, are you ready to step up by stepping back? It’s time to start delegating.