Move from People Pleasing to Difference Making...Mastermind the Art of Delegation
I have so many things to do…How do I know where to spend my time?
There are so many things that people are expecting from me, but which ones are going to make the biggest impact?
Do you find yourself asking those questions on a regular basis? They are definitely a sign of overwhelm.
And, friends, you are not alone.
Yes, there are bright sides to this life of leadership, business, and family, and many times I’m happy to point them out, celebrate them, and bring them to light. Right now, however, I want to make sure we talk about the very real and very prevalent fact that countless business women are drowning in tasks, expectations, and fast food dinners. To put it simply, there is a mass crisis of OVERWHELM.
With my personal experience and training as a coach I’ve learned how to look at the big picture, connect that vision to our day-to-day activities, and time block for both productivity and rest. And, I’d like to help you do the same!
Throughout the last couple of months, I’ve been taking you on a journey called, “Dear Burnt Out Businesswoman.” I’ve been showing you the precise steps you need to take to:
- Kick Distractions to the Curb; (we already covered this one here!)
- Set Boundaries; (this was last month and you can see it here!)
- Learn to Delegate; and
- Integrate Think Time.
When unchecked, the beginnings of burnout can lead to more serious cases. Extreme isolation and depression are places we want to avoid! (If you’re already there, I encourage you to seek out a mental health professional. I have excellent references if you need one.)
So, I encourage you to follow closely! See if the tips I share start to make a positive difference in your energy levels and daily choices.
If you participate with me, I believe that you will begin to experience healing. You’ll find yourself managing your life and expectations more reasonably. Reaching your goals will become a joy again and you’ll feel more fulfilled.
Are you ready?? This is going to be practical, realistic, and focused. You’re going to feel empowered to take some control here.
From People Pleasing to Difference Making…Mastering the Art of Delegation
Do you frequently find yourself distracted by incoming emails, DMs, or texts?
Is your task list filled up with things that other people have asked you to help with or coordinate?
Or, do you have a long list of “shoulds” that keep piling up?
You probably got where you are today because you’ve said YES a million times, contributed your expertise as a favor to a friend, volunteered on a lot of boards and in groups. This is great and part of the growing process!! There is absolutely a time for a season of YES. It has given you so many skills, visibility, trust and an amazing reputation.
However, if you want to advance to the next level of leadership, it’s time to start being more selective of where you spend your time, energy, and resources.
My high-achieving friend, It’s time to move from People Pleaser to Difference Maker.
But, how do you start to scale back? How do you learn to say no? And, how do you know what is yours to do and what you can delegate?
Walk as children of the light and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5: 8, 10
It’s time to re-think your time and save it for the things that ONLY YOU can do. It’s time to focus on the things that are your special call from the Lord, not the desires of the people.
Delegating is the key to spending your time making a difference and not just saying “yes.” Delegating helps you to get out of the emergency zone and into a zone of focus.
Just what is delegating?
It's not just about passing tasks off to others; it's about leveraging people, systems, and technology to lighten your load and focus on what truly matters–giving you time to work on big projects, deep work, and important tasks that you keep on pushing off for another day
By the way, delegating doesn’t mean that you have less responsibility, it just means that you’re sharing the responsibility with “helpers.”
I teach my clients that they can delegate to three places:
- People–this is the most common delegation that we think of!! It’s when we share the load with others! Maybe it’s time to hire a housekeeper, personal assistant, or VP of Marketing.
- Systems–Are there items on your list that you cannot share with another person, but they do not need to take over your day? Establishing a system can help keep these items “in a box” so they do not spill out over your entire day. Some examples: only check email 1-2 times a day, schedule weekly check-ins with your team, reconcile your bank statements and look at your books every Friday, etc.
- Technology–How can tech take something off your plate? Can you set automatic replies on email or DMs? Is it time to use a digital calendar and a scheduling link? Is there something AI can help you with? Is it time to make an investment in new hardware or software?
Now, I hear you saying, “Wait a minute, Selena!!! This sounds like a lot of work to set up all of this delegating!!”
It’s true, delegating can be more work at first, when you have to train people or develop a system or learn a new technology. Don’t let that scare you!!! You will be amazed at the difference in your productivity and focus once you have truly delegated items that have been distractions to you.
Here is one thing I know (and have learned very often the hard way!)–
You have the power to make a difference, not to fix everything.
Coach Selena
And, you already have started to figure that out, too.
Here’s what I know, if you are an over-worked and overwhelmed Business Owner, Entrepreneur, or High-Achieving CEO, you dream about the day you can delegate certain items on your list. You *dream* about the day you no longer have to be the one to _________ (go ahead, fill in the blank! LOL!)
Let’s be frank about it, however, I know you want to be able to delegate something and then never think about it again. That’s just not how it works. Delegating doesn’t mean less responsibility, it simply means shared responsibility. As the leader, it’s still your obligation to make sure the task is done and that it’s done well. Just how are you going to do that??!! Don’t worry, I’ve got a couple tips for you!
- Keep a watch on your chosen delegation system (people, tech, etc). Meet regularly with your people (I suggest a once a week scheduled check-in at minimum.) And check on how well your tech is working. You want to make sure the user experience is helpful.
- Set clear expectations. Give your team the tools they need to complete their jobs well. Invest in the technology and systems that really will work for your specific situation.
- Train. Mentor. Teach. This is an essential part of leadership and delegating!! You can’t skip this one.
And, now that you’ve delegated those tasks that are mundane or inefficient you have the time, energy, and resources to focus on the things that ONLY YOU can do…visioning, future planning, and prospecting. These are the areas where you can show true LEADERSHIP and take your team to the next level!!
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Where do you “bear it” on your own? Where are the spaces where you need to share the burden–either with other people, with new systems, or with technology so that you can step into your special and unique calling. So that you can keep your eye on the big picture, step out of the tangle of weeds, and avoid overwhelm.
I know you can do it!! Begin with just one thing and you’ll discover:
- That you don’t feel as exhausted at the end of each day
- That you’re taking steps toward your goals
- That you’re spending less time on things that deplete you.
Comment and share what you think will be the most helpful!
PS – If the ideas I’ve shared here still feel overwhelming and like it’s just scratching the surface of what you really need, then let’s schedule a time to chat. Just you and me. 30 mins on the phone to uncover what your obstacles might be and how coaching can help you step into your power. You need control over your life. Stop handing over the reins.
You can get on my schedule here.
Stop the path toward burnout today. Make the move from People Pleaser to Difference Maker.
Make an Impact.
Leave a Legacy.
Selena