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August 06, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Many a talented employee has yearned to make the leap to business owner. But being a highly skilled employee doesn’t automatically make one a highly confident entrepreneur. These go-getters can be surprised to find they have left behind the clearly defined job descriptions of the corporate world for the many hats and long hours of running their own business.
According to The MaxOut Group’s Zenovia Andrews, though, it’s not always necessary to work endless hours to build a new venture. “Entrepreneurs need to be the brains and oversight of the operation. It’s not wise to work for your own business. Sixteen-hour days get entrepreneurs lost in the minutiae. They lose perspective and burn out,” explains Andrews in her new book All Systems Go: A Solid Blueprint to Build Business and Maximize Cash Flow.
Being a great entrepreneur requires perspective—perspective you lack when immersed in the day-to-day details of business ownership. “Owners need to be the strategic visionary who hires, trains and develops the best talent available, and then delegates work,” says Andrews.
So here, from Andrews, are five keys to successful delegation:
1. Remember that they’re human. Your team is made up of human beings, not robots. They have their limits and require breaks. Get to know your team members so that you can make the most of their daily rhythms. You’ll get the most out of them if they are busy but not rushed.
2. Cultivate your team members’ strengths. Skillful delegation requires that you know and make the most of your team members’ talents. Learn what they do well and allow them to do it. If you let go and give them authority, they’ll be happier and more productive.
