Delegation

I often see managers scrambling to find solutions for problems they aren’t experts in. This challenge seems to occur at all levels of leadership, and I’m no exception.

A common fear among managers is becoming the dreaded "middle management," someone who merely relays information from A to B without adding any value. It’s a fear that has been humorously captured in Office Space. While that perception might occasionally be true, we often forget what our real goal is: leadership and management.

The greatest leaders in history weren’t always great doers. Take Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, for example. A frail man prone to illness, Augustus wasn’t as popular as his rival, the seasoned warrior Marc Antony. But what Augustus did have, is a mind for leadership. He didn’t need to personally fight battles or plan wars—he delegated those tasks to Agrippa, a brilliant general. Augustus made sure Agrippa had everything he needed to succeed and kept him motivated.

Emperor Augustus, One of the best delegators in history.

The result? Agrippa led Augustus’s forces to victory, securing the Empire. This was Augustus’s genius: knowing when to step back and let someone else shine. It’s a lesson every leader should remember - It’s not about doing everything yourself but enabling others to thrive.

As leaders, it’s crucial to identify who is the best fit for each challenge. Like Augustus, you don't need to solve every problem yourself. Delegate tasks to those who are most capable and ensure they have the resources and support to succeed. Remember, no matter how talented you are, there will always be someone better suited for certain tasks. Accepting this isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Leadership is about enabling others to perform at their best and not micromanaging.

Sometimes, resources are scarce, and time is tight. In these situations, it’s tempting to jump in and solve problems yourself. But before rushing to act, take a moment to observe the situation. Ask yourself: Why is this happening? What resources are available? Who on the team can assist? What’s most urgent?

Observe - Orient - Decide - Act. Think before you do!

Step back if necessary to orient yourself. Consider different paths of action and assess the long-term impact of your decisions. Once you’ve decided on a course, execute it decisively—but be prepared to pivot if new information emerges. Feedback loops are your ally here; they help you stay agile and adaptive, even in high-pressure situations. Feedback loops could be as simple as regular daily or hourly check-ins or retrospectives to assess what’s working and adjust accordingly.

Delegation isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing better. By empowering others and focusing on where you add the most value, you transform your team’s performance and make room for strategic growth. Like Augustus, great leaders don’t just manage tasks—they empower others to succeed.