The Founder Delegation Dilemma
As founders, we often fall into the trap of thinking, "It is faster if I just do it myself." This mindset might save you time today, but it costs you growth tomorrow. Effective delegation is not just about offloading tasks—it is about scaling yourself and your company.
Why Most Founders Struggle with Delegation
Before diving into strategies, let us acknowledge why delegation is particularly challenging for founders:
- Perfectionism and high standards
- Emotional attachment to the business
- Lack of trust in others capabilities
- Fear of losing control
- Uncertainty about what to delegate
Sound familiar? You are not alone. Now let us explore strategies that actually work.
Strategy 1: Start with the Right Mindset
Delegation is not about finding someone to do tasks exactly as you would. It is about finding someone who can achieve the desired outcome, potentially in their own way. Shift from "How can I get someone to do this exactly like me?" to "How can I get the right outcome without being involved?"
Strategy 2: Use the 70% Rule
If someone can do a task 70% as well as you can, delegate it. Over time, with proper guidance, they will improve—but even at 70%, you are freeing up time for higher-value activities only you can do.
Strategy 3: Create Clear Systems
Document your processes before delegating them. Tools like Loom for screen recordings, Notion for documentation, or even simple checklists can transform vague instructions into clear systems anyone can follow.