5 Reasons to Let Go

Make more time to advance your career by maximizing your support.



By Tiffany Harrison

You’ve been doing it all yourself for so long, it’s hard to let go. After all, your work represents you – and you know you won’t let yourself down. But the more responsibility you take on, the more essential knowing when and how to delegate becomes.

Aliza Sherman, co-founder of Conversify, a social media marketing agency and author of PowerTools for Women in Business, lists five reasons to relinquish work:

1. You won’t get caught in the weeds. When you’re bogged down by busywork, you have less time and energy to look at the big picture, like new clients or opportunities or how to move your company (and career) to the next level.

2. You empower others. Why have a staff if you don’t let them do what they do well – or could do well with a little coaching? Give them a chance to step up and gain new experiences – and have the opportunity to show what they’re capable of. What could be more motivating?

3. You engender trust. By keeping everything to yourself, you are communicating to others that you don’t trust them. When you delegate, you prove your confidence in your team, motivating them to go above and beyond.

4. You develop new leaders. You’ll discover new talents in team members that you never would have seen if they were just doing the same old thing. You may be surprised by all the great ideas they’ll come up with.

5. You get to have a life. Hello, vacation!