Is it possible to delegate without fear and trust your team to get the work done?
Yes, it is. To be honest I don’t really believe that things are impossible. Everything can be possible if we believe in what we are trying to achieve. The problem is that we create excuses in our minds to not do things that we feel uncomfortable with.
For me, before I started outsourcing some of my tasks, I had this insane need to control every single part of my business. Unfortunately, I would start to be resentful with myself for not asking for help. I just needed to do it all. And I would feel really proud of it until I would get stuck on something.
Working with teams has always been present in corporate life. However, when I started running my business, I refused to ask for external help. It seems crazy but many of you are probably going through these same emotions.
This is the reason why I fired my boss and nobody else was going to have a piece of this “baby”. ~ Sofia Reis
The year I hired my amazing assistant’s genius help, it was like a weight has come off my shoulders. But I must be honest with you… It took time to let go and avoid controlling everything. This is a relationship that has grown over a few years now and continues to grow.
You see, I’ve always wanted to build a team. A huge virtual team as my business is 100% online.
There are a few elements that you must take into consideration before you outsource or delegate some of your tasks to another person:
- Let go of stuff. What do I mean by this? This is the stuff that is keeping you playing small. We are so protective of what we build and create and at times is difficult to let go if it.
- Open communication. The right communication is a two-way street in any relationship and so it shouldn’t be different with your staff members.
- Lead with trust and empathy. You are the leader of your business and therefore it’s imperative that you guide and incentive your staff growth and progress within the organization.
- Be clear about all the tasks given and answer questions whenever is necessary. Be available to clarify any questions your staff has and whenever possible explain to them that deadlines are important but they are also flexible.
- Encourage your team’s innovative ideas and creativity. Your staff will be motivated to do more if you listen and implement their ideas when they are viable.
- T.E.A.M work makes the dream work. Together everyone achieves more. Doing it alone is not fun and that will come a time that you will resent not delegating some of your tasks to your team. This will free up some time for you to do other things in your life and gradually NOT BE the business.
I had a lovely conversation with my team member where we talked about all things OUTSOURCING.
The why, the what, the when, and the how…a truthful conversation between two women that thrive to grow together in business.
Sofia Garcȇs is the designer and creative behind Imperfect Creative. She helps business owners create all the design assets they need to run their businesses.
Some questions asked during our chat:
Letting go of what we usually do is hard for any business owner. It feels like losing control over what we own.
At 8:36 mins, I’ve asked Sofia: What would you say to someone that is having these types of feelings?
Knowledge about the industry of the client is beneficial to know so that it would be easier to recommend ideas or suggestions for the client.
At 14:04 – How do you deal with frustrations that arise from working together?
20:16 mins: What would you say to someone if they would ask you if you’ve worked on similar projects? If you are unfamiliar with the goals of the prospect, what is your research process?
23:10 mins – What type of recommendations would you give to someone that wants to outsource their services?
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed and feeling like you’re growing in it to outsource because it’s going to make the whole process a lot more diffidult. ~ Sofia Garcȇs
A few people choose the cheaper route to outsource only to find out that they’ve been taken advantage of. At times this can be costly and also emotionally draining as they lose faith in hiring others.
From the bottom of my heart… “Don’t let that define you!”. Continue your search to find a staff member
At 32:02 mins – What questions should others ask when they want to hire tech help? Ask some of your peers what kind of questions you could ask someone that you are outsourcing.
- Will I have access to the original material?
- Will have the copyright to all the graphic material you’re doing for me?
- Be specific when asking the questions. Think about what you need help with.
- “BE ok with answering questions”. Remember that the person you’re hiring may also have questions for you.
ACTION STEPS:
Grab a blank piece of paper and put two columns:
- On the 1st column write down: These are the things that I do every week/month and that I LOVE TO DO.
- And on the other column: These are the things that I would love to outsource. Stuff I HATE TO DO.
- Then ask yourself the question: What would it take for me to outsource [Fill in the blank]?
If you require any tech help in your business, we’re here for you and I would love to help you achieve just that. I’m a Vision Architect and would love to listen to your own dreamy vision.
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