Typically when I work with business owners on delegating effectively, one of the top problems is getting them to realize it’s ok to let go! They believe they are the only ones who can do the job . . . and it’s difficult for them to give up control.

(Yes – this is even AFTER they realize that they only have 168 hours each week . . . and that the business will hit a point where it can’t grow any longer because they are out of time!)

Yesterday, however, I had a client (I’ll call her Maria) share that she’s worried about what people will think about her if she delegates. She’s afraid if she reaches out for help, she’ll be perceived as weak and less of a business woman.

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In the case of the “control” situation, it’s pretty easy to attack this head-on using numbers. It takes you “X” number of hours to do this, this, and this. You have “X” number of hours available after doing this, this, and this. Now what?! Usually looking at black and white numbers helps even the most controlling entrepreneur give some tasks up.

[Tweet “Delegation shows strength!”]

However, in the case of feeling weak, the numbers don’t have the same impact – as Maria is making decisions based on emotion.

So, now what?

I kept asking questions . . .

  • WHO are you worried will think you are weak?
  • WHAT’S the worst thing that can happen if they do? AND, can you live with it?
  • WHAT’S one thing you could ask for help on that seems small and that might not trigger the “I’m less of a business owner” feeling?

Maria started to gain a little clarity here but was still hesitant to delegate. She did promise to delegate one task in the week between our sessions.

BUT . . . she came to our next session and still hadn’t delegated. Though she realized she “could live with the worst thing that could happen,” she was still feeling guilty.

So, we went down a different path . . . and flipped the scenario to one time she was asked for help. How did she feel lending a hand?

It turns out that Maria really likes to be a resource for people. It gives her a “warm fuzzy feeling” to be of service to friends and colleagues. At this point, the light bulb went on! She shared, “When I don’t reach out for help, or delegate, I’m preventing other people from getting this same fulfilled feeling!

Now Maria is a delegating machine!

The moral of this story (and yes – it is a real story!) is that each business owner is different. The strategies that work for one won’t necessarily work for you. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries before you hit on the exact right plan to move forward as effectively and efficiently as possible. And when you hit that “sweet spot” in delegating and in your other systems, you can support your vision without overwork! (For more ideas on how to effectively delegate, take a look at this post or this one.)

BUT…when you run into a roadblock, instead of trying harder, just reach out for help! Extra effort or discipline is not always the answer.

So, are you ready?

Ready to have more money, more fun, more time for volunteering, more time for relaxation – while working less and feeling less stress?

If so, I invite you to apply for a Complimentary Discovery Conversation. Here we’ll talk about your current life – and the life you want – and we’ll discuss some strategies to help you see your next steps.

These appointments are complimentary, but to be really clear, they are limited in number and reserved for people who meet these criteria:

  • You are willing and ready to improve.
  • You are ready to invest in personal development coaching.
  • You are willing to push your comfort zone.

If this is you, click this link!

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