At least once a week, I hear the same thing from friends and clients: “I need to delegate more.” And almost immediately, they add, “But I don’t think anyone will understand my work, take it as seriously as I do, or do a really great job.”
The result? Nothing gets delegated, and they end up doing everything themselves.
The truth I’ve discovered is that the problem isn’t a lack of capable, committed people. It’s that many of us simply don’t know how to delegate—or we’re afraid to let go, even a little. That fear can make it feel like there’s no way forward.
Here’s how I suggest approaching delegation with ease:
1. Do your research. It’s important to know what skills the person you’re hiring needs to have. Just like hiring an accountant to do your taxes, you’ll want to find someone with experience in the area you’re delegating. If you’re handing off your newsletter, for example, look for someone familiar with MailChimp, Constant Contact, or a similar platform.
This might sound obvious, but I often hear solo professionals consider hiring very smart friends—only to find they don’t have the relevant experience. Delegation works the same way as hiring a specialist: specific skills matter. You wouldn’t ask a “very smart friend” who knows nothing about cars to fix your car, and you shouldn’t compromise on the expertise needed to handle your business tasks either.
2. Take time to plan. You need to give the person doing the work enough time to fit it into their schedule and actually get it done. That means planning ahead. For example, if you’re delegating a task this week, don’t just hand it over at the last minute—check in a few days early to see if the timing works. And be ready for the answer to be “no” or “not this week,” so you can adjust without stress.
3. Provide clear instructions. Simply asking, “Can you handle this?” doesn’t give enough guidance, even for tasks that feel straightforward. Include details, timelines, and any supporting materials. For example:
“I’m ready to publish my next newsletter. Attached are the text and images I’d like to use. Can we schedule it for Friday at 6:00 a.m.?”
Be thorough—share deadlines and any preferences for how the work should be done. Clear instructions set everyone up for success and prevent unnecessary back-and-forth.
4. Set check-ins and control points. When you delegate a project, schedule a few milestone check-ins to keep everything on track. Even when you both think you’re on the same page, misunderstandings can happen. Regular touch points help catch issues early and give you both a chance to adjust as needed.
5. Develop a communicative relationship. You’re in a relationship with the person helping in your business, and the little gestures matter. A simple “Thank you – great job,” or a friendly “How was your weekend?” can go a long way toward making the collaboration smooth and pleasant.
Answer questions about the project promptly to keep things on track. Your work together will require ongoing conversation, whether written or verbal.
Chances are, 99% of the time the person helping you wants to do a good job. If things aren’t going smoothly, check these five points—you’ll often find that small adjustments on either side make all the difference.
Delegation lets you make the most of your time and get help in areas where you might not have all the expertise. Done well, it’s a win for both you and your business.