Do you know me? I’m looking over your shoulder, waiting for you to make a mistake so I can point out everything you’ve done wrong. My way is always the best. I need to be in charge and want everyone to know about it. I’m the classic control freak. I am robbing you of your opportunity to grow because I haven’t learned how to give up control to get control. I haven’t learned how to delegate. Does this sound familiar? Are you still putting out fires?

Worth Remembering – ‘In the digital age, you need to make knowledge workers out of every employee possible. ‘ – Bill Gates.

To stop putting out fires, you must ignore the urge to micro-manage everyone because the reality is you can’t control everything all of the time. It’s bigger than you. You physically can’t be in all places at once. You can’t be looking over everyone’s shoulder all the time at the same time. You must learn to trust the people around you and make knowledgeable workers by delegating some of your responsibilities to those on your team.

Worth Remembering – ‘Big things and little things are a leader’s job. Middle management can be delegated.’ – Konosuke Matsushita.

Delegation 101. Eight easy steps to effective delegation.

Step One – Decide what you want to delegate. You must be clear about the task and ensure they have all the tools they will need to complete it.

Step Two – Decide who is capable and, most importantly, who is willing to take on more responsibility.

Step Three – Create a teachable moment. First, demonstrate the task, then have them perform it, and once they have completed the task satisfactorily, leave them alone.

Step Four – Ask open-ended questions to ensure learning has taken place. You need to make sure they know what needs to be done and why.

Step Five – Follow up, follow up and then follow up some more. Make it a point to check in on them now and again to make sure things are still on track.

Step Six – Keep the lines of communication open. Let them know you are here to help them if and when they want it.

Step Seven—Hold them accountable for the results. Standards and quality are not open for debate, but how they accomplish them can be. It doesn’t have to be just your way.

Step Eight – Recognize what has been accomplished and praise their performance.

You don’t appreciate it when someone is looking over your shoulder, watching your every move, and second-guessing every decision you make, so don’t do the same to them. Stop micro-managing. Are you still putting out fires?

Copyright 2025. Brian Smith – Power Link Dynamics. Not to be reproduced without permission. Are you searching for a keynote speaker for your next evernt, planning a webinare or a training session at your location. Contact Brian. He specializes in soft skills training and leadership development. Brian will customize a presentation that is right for you and your organization.