There often comes a time when you are snowed under and need someone to help out and take over from certain tasks. However even though delegation can certainly ease the pressure, many managers struggle with delegation. Here is why…

Not enough time
It does take time to train someone sufficiently to take over a task, time which a manager may think is better off spent doing the task themselves. However, investing a little time in training the right people will help them to take over without training in the future.

Perfectionism
Many managers have high standards for themselves, and expect the same of their staff. They feel that they should rather do it themselves rather than risk mistakes, however most people learn and develop from their mistakes, so sometimes it is better to let them do this, while being there for them to help them get it right, which they will.

Enjoying the ground-work
While some managers enjoy getting back to basics, also feeling that they need to do the jobs themselves to get them done right. However working yourself to the ground while your department stands around doing nothing is a waste of resources - you need to get on with your own tasks and leave the routine to somebody else.

Fear of not being needed
If you have delegated adequately, your department will run smoothly and it might look like you have nothing to do yourself. However this is the point - you now have time to plan ahead, make those important contacts and grow your business.

Learning to delegate is an important managerial skill in itself. While it may seem difficult at first, once you see the positive results you will be satisfied with the time that you have to focus on what's important - developing your business, and your bottom line, while someone else does the routine and mundane work! After all, this is one of the perks of being a manager!

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