Hey mama, let’s get real for a second. You’re juggling work, family, and a million other things in between, and there’s one thing you really wish you could nail: delegating. I know it’s tough. You hand something off to someone, cross your fingers, and pray it gets done right. But then? Cue the frustration when it’s not. Sound familiar?
The secret to delegating successfully—whether it’s at work or home—actually starts with one key thing: understanding where the person you’re delegating to falls on the delegate scale. Yep, there’s a scale. You’ve got novices on one end, and experts on the other. And knowing exactly where your person stands on that scale is the game-changer you need to make sure things get done right, every time.
The Delegate Scale: Where Do They Fall?
Let’s break it down.
On one side of the scale, you’ve got the novices. These are the people who are new to the task, they’ve never done it before, or maybe they just have limited experience with it. Novices are still learning, still figuring out the ropes. Maybe they need a little hand-holding or clear instructions to get it right.
Then, on the other side, you’ve got the experts. These are the rockstars who’ve been doing the task for years. They make their living from it, and they could probably do it with their eyes closed. Experts don’t need much guidance, and in fact, they thrive when you give them the freedom to execute their magic without micromanagement.
So, when you’re thinking about who to delegate to, where are they on that scale?
Why It Matters (and How to Use It)
When you know where the person is on the scale, you can tailor your approach accordingly. Here’s how:
For Novices:
If you’re handing something off to a novice, you can’t expect them to just “figure it out.” They need clear instructions, guidance, and possibly a few check-ins along the way. This could mean providing a step-by-step breakdown of what needs to be done or even walking them through it the first time. Be patient and set them up for success with all the tools and knowledge they need. Remember, they’re learning—and that takes time.
For Experts:
On the other hand, experts don’t need a whole lot of hand-holding. They’re going to appreciate your trust in them and your ability to let go. With an expert, you can give them the big picture and let them handle the rest. Focus on results, not on every tiny step. After all, they know what they’re doing and will likely bring their own creative spin to the task.
The Right Tools for the Job
Now, here’s the trick—sometimes we forget that the scale is also about tools. What tools does your novice need to succeed? Are they familiar with the software, process, or strategy you want them to use? Are you setting your expert up with the resources to succeed too? Understanding that tools and skills may vary depending on where someone is on the scale is crucial.
If you’re delegating to a novice, make sure they’ve got everything they need: detailed instructions, resources, and maybe even a little extra time to figure things out. For experts, it’s about providing the bigger picture and making sure they have the freedom to execute in their own way.
Don’t go into delegating a project without understanding exactly where on that scale your person is.
Actionable Tips for Better Delegation
- Know your team: Before delegating, assess where the person is on the scale. Are they a novice or an expert? Their skill set will dictate your approach.
- Set clear expectations: Communicate what the end result should look like. For novices, be more specific about the process. For experts, you can focus more on the outcome.
- Provide feedback: Give constructive feedback as necessary, but remember to praise the efforts. For novices, this can help them build confidence. For experts, this ensures they know you’re paying attention and trust them.
- Let go of perfectionism: As a working mom, you’re already doing it all. Remember that things won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay! Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Empower, don’t micromanage: The goal is to give your team (or family members) the tools to succeed. With experts, trust them to do their thing. With novices, offer your support without hovering.
In Conclusion: Delegate with Confidence, Mama
Next time you’re delegating something—whether it’s to your work team or your spouse—remember the scale. Know where your person is between novice and expert, and adjust your approach accordingly. Delegation doesn’t have to be stressful when you’re equipped with the right tools and mindset.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all. You can let go of the reins and trust others to help you out. When you delegate with clarity, you’re not only freeing up your time; you’re also empowering others to grow and thrive.
So go ahead, mama—delegate like the boss you are!
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