First: Put the well-being of your team first.
My entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to build a dynamic company that not only thrives in the industry, but also champions the well-being of its teams. That ethos was clear from the beginning. It’s about providing quality service while maintaining a balance that allows your team to recharge and rejuvenate during designated holiday periods. This balance was more than just a perk. It was essential to our identity.
Tipping point: Easter chaos
Last year, the Easter holiday arrived, a time historically reserved for rest. But this Easter was different. Amidst the excitement of moving into a new office space, the reality of what I had been working on began to dawn on me. My PA, whose work is all about efficiency and organization, was planning a vacation to Bali. “Enjoy your vacation,” I said happily, oblivious to the impending turmoil her absence would cause, thinking I could take care of her while she was gone, so that meant… It’s about how difficult it is.
The next few weeks unfolded like a scene from a farce, with me being the unwitting protagonist. Challenges that we had never thought of before have now loomed large and insurmountable. Utilities, internet setup, and even the basic functionality of an office space became a huge challenge. I wanted to do everything myself because it seemed easy, but I really should have left it to you. When she came back I actually cried and vowed to myself that I would never try to handle everything myself again.
Agree: Delegation is not a choice, it’s a necessity
This experience made me keenly aware of the importance of representation. The belief that entrepreneurs can and should do anything is not just flawed. That’s dangerous. It leads to burnout, oversight, and, ironically, the potential collapse of the very empire you are trying to build.
Delegation has emerged not as a sign of weakness but as an essential strategy for sustainable growth. It’s about recognizing the unique strengths within your team, trusting them to take the reins in their areas of expertise, and allowing them to focus on the broader picture.
Enabling change: A new approach to leadership
I was determined not to find myself in a similar predicament again and adopted several strategies to incorporate delegation into my work structure.
- Systematic empowerment: Invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure all team members feel confident in their roles.
- Open lines of communication: Establish clear and open channels for interaction, ensure expectations are understood, and encourage feedback.
- Regular retrospectives and reviews: Set up regular check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes, reinforcing a culture of collective responsibility.
- External support systems: Actively seek mentorship and engage with peer networks for shared learning and support.
accepted the lesson
The journey from that chaotic Easter to today has been one of tremendous growth not only in business but also for me as an entrepreneur. Embracing delegation has changed our work, strengthened our team dynamics, and most importantly, allowed me to step back and see the forest for the trees.
To my fellow entrepreneurs navigating the turbulent waters of business ownership, please remember this. Delegation is more than just a management tool. It is the foundation of effective leadership. It’s the realization that you may be the architect of the vision, but it takes a team to build it into reality.
In conclusion, the lesson here is clear. Entrepreneurs need to delegate to someone because of the simple fact that they can’t do everything themselves. If you don’t, you not only risk everything falling apart, you also miss out on the opportunity to see the true potential of your vision realized through the collective efforts and expertise of your team.
Inge Hunter is the founder of. Content that helps.
