As a business owner, especially in the luxury home service or custom integration industries, it can be difficult to let go of control. Many of us believe that “if I don’t do it myself, it won’t be done right.” Whether you’re running a small team or working solo, there’s a sense of pride that comes from overseeing every aspect of your business. However, here’s the hard truth: if you try to do everything yourself, you’re not growing a business — you’re simply maintaining one.
This article draws inspiration from a recent episode of The Flywheel Effect podcast, where Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and I discussed the challenges business owners face when it comes to delegation. Whether you’re managing installations, handling sales, or overseeing project timelines, effective delegation is the key to unlocking growth. Let’s dive into the key principles of delegation, how to avoid common pitfalls, and practical strategies to help you delegate with confidence.
Abdication vs. Delegation: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest challenges in leadership is learning the difference between abdication and delegation. Abdication happens when you assign a task to someone without giving clear direction, expecting them to handle it entirely on their own. When things go wrong, you might feel frustrated or disappointed, thinking, “I knew I should’ve done it myself!” This hands-off approach can result in low-quality work, missed deadlines, and, ultimately, resentment on both sides.
On the other hand, delegation involves assigning responsibility while remaining engaged enough to ensure success. It’s not about dumping tasks on someone else — it’s about empowering them with the tools, guidance, and support they need to complete the task at a high standard. In essence, delegation is a partnership between you and your team, where you provide the framework for success but trust them to execute.
The difference between these two approaches lies in how much structure and oversight you provide. Successful delegation requires clear communication of what you expect, why the task is important, and how success will be measured.
Also by Matt Bernath: Transforming Operators to Owners
Why Delegation Is Crucial for Growth
No matter how skilled or hardworking you are, it’s impossible to scale a business without delegation. If you’re constantly involved in the day-to-day operations — whether that’s on the job site, managing client calls, or handling every sales lead — you’re limiting your company’s potential.
Effective delegation is what allows your business to scale beyond your personal time and energy. It lets you focus on higher-level activities like strategy, growth, and client relationships while empowering your team to handle the operational side. In a project-based industry like custom integration, delegation is particularly important because it allows you to manage multiple projects simultaneously, rather than being tied down to one job at a time.
The Four-Step Process for Successful Delegation
Delegation is often easier said than done. Many business owners struggle with letting go because they’re afraid the work won’t be done to their standards. To overcome this, consider a structured approach to delegation that ensures both clarity and accountability. Here’s a four-step process to help you delegate effectively:
- Lay the Groundwork: Start by clearly explaining the task or project, including its importance and how it impacts the business. This gives your team members context and helps them understand why their work matters. When people feel connected to the bigger picture, they’re more likely to be invested in doing their best.
- Get Buy-In: Once you’ve laid out the task, it’s important to gauge whether the person is confident and prepared to handle it. Ask for their feedback and ensure they have the necessary resources. If they push back or express doubts, you may need to provide additional guidance or training.
- Provide Training and Define Success: Delegation isn’t about assigning tasks and walking away. You need to equip your team with the right tools and training. Additionally, set clear expectations for what success looks like. Whether it’s specific KPIs, deadlines, or quality benchmarks, give them a roadmap to follow. This helps prevent miscommunication and ensures both you and your team are aligned.
- Check-In and Provide Feedback: Regular check-ins are crucial to making sure the task stays on track. This doesn’t mean micromanaging, but rather maintaining a rhythm of communication where you can offer guidance, answer questions, and course-correct if needed. It’s also an opportunity to provide feedback, so the person knows what they’re doing well and where there’s room for improvement.
Overcoming the “Doer” Mentality
One of the biggest roadblocks to effective delegation is the “doer” mentality. When you’re stuck in the doer mentality, you’re constantly in the weeds — handling every task yourself because you believe no one else can do it as well as you. This might work for a while, but as your business grows, it becomes unsustainable. If you’re the only one who can “do it right,” you’ll eventually burn out and your business will stagnate.
The key to overcoming this mindset is to recognize that delegation doesn’t mean sacrificing quality — it means training your team to meet your standards. As a leader, your job is not just to get the work done but to develop the people around you so that they can take ownership and excel in their roles.
Also by Matt Bernath: The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions
Perfection vs. Progress: Shifting Your Belief System
A major challenge in delegating is the fear that tasks won’t be done perfectly, but perfection is often the enemy of progress. Many business owners set impossibly high standards, believing that if a task isn’t done exactly their way, it’s a failure. This mindset leads to micromanagement, frustration, and, ultimately, a stunted business.
The reality is that good delegation isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. A useful benchmark to consider is aiming for 80% of what you would do yourself. If the person you’ve delegated to can deliver 80% of the result you’d expect, that’s a success. Over time, they’ll improve, and with your guidance, they might even surpass your expectations. But if you never give them the opportunity to try, they’ll never grow, and neither will your business.
As you begin to delegate more, remind yourself that small mistakes are part of the learning process. By allowing your team to learn from those mistakes and improve, you’re creating a culture of growth and development.
Delegation as a Multiplier for Your Business
Delegation isn’t just about getting tasks off your plate — it’s about multiplying your impact. When you delegate effectively, you free yourself to focus on the areas of your business that truly require your attention: strategy, client relationships, and innovation. Delegation allows you to scale your time, your expertise, and your business.
Think of delegation as an investment. The time you spend training your team today will pay off in the long run as they become more capable of handling critical tasks on their own. You’ll be able to take on more projects, serve more clients, and drive greater growth — all without being spread too thin.
If you found these insights helpful and want to dive deeper into topics like delegation and leadership, check out The Flywheel Effect podcast. You can find it on your favorite podcasting app, where Brent Sonnek-Schmelz and Matt Bernath explore practical strategies for business owners looking to take their companies to the next level.
