How to delegate effectively to focus on your "zone of genius" at work

(And the surprising reasons you find it so hard...)

Hands up who’s juggling more than their fair share at the moment? Whether it’s work, life, or a combination of both, so many of us have more on our plate than ever, thanks to increasing expectations (societal, economic and self-imposed) and a media narrative that feeds us unrealistic narratives about how “perfect” our careers and home lives should really be.

Is it no wonder we’re exhausted?

When I hit burn out several years ago, I’d reached a stage where my internal narrative went something like this…

“No-one understands me. I work so hard, but I don’t get any recognition. Everyone keeps piling work on me. No-one else can do that job as well as I can do it. If I don’t do that task, who will? I’m just so busy all the time. Doesn’t anyone get how busy I am? I couldn’t possibly work any harder. I can’t cope.”

It was a stream of damaging thoughts that led to me feeling (and behaving) like a martyr at work and disconnected at home.

I was always either tired or wired (caffeine, sugar, wine, adrenalin) - and that made for a nasty river of cortisol running through my body.

I wore my emotions on my sleeve at work (instead of my values, which is infinitely more useful) and could not see the wood for the trees.

On paper I was succeeding at life and in my career, but in reality, I was drowning.

I don’t work that way anymore.

I still work extremely hard (I run my own business as a coach, so the buck stops with me!), but I do it in a very different way. I’ve often talked about my predilection for a short nap (45 mins is my magic number!) in the afternoon - I don’t take one every day, but do when I need it - and I have better boundaries in place around emails and work communication. I may work in the evenings, but that’s a choice as I often have some flex time in the day.

For me, this shift has been necessary and life-saving.

But can I tell you another thing that has had a profound and positive impact on my career, my productivity and my wellbeing? That enabled me to shed my “corporate martyr” shroud (even whilst in a corporate role) and work smarter with better results?

Learning how to delegate effectively

Here’s an eye-opening stat: CEOs who delegate effectively generate on average 33% more revenue for their companies.

That’s right. Delegation leads to better outcomes.

Of course it does, because delegation is a leadership skill. And one you need to master if you want to get ahead in your career (without burning out along the way.)

But so many of us still don’t delegate! And then wonder why we are struggling.

So let’s look at some of the surprising reasons why, before I share a framework for you to delegate effectively. (I call it the “true happiness at work!” formula!)

If you want to read on for this week’s coaching advice, please upgrade to a paid subscription below. By the way, I offer corporate discounts for team subscriptions, so get in touch if you want this!