Leadership Resolutions: The Power of Delegation

The start of a new year is the perfect time for a reset. It’s that moment when the calendar flips, and you get a clean slate to refine your habits, rethink your priorities, and refocus on the mission that drives you. For many leaders—especially those in the nonprofit sector—this reflection often leads to a common realization: you are trying to do too much.

It’s a familiar story. You care deeply about your organization, so you take on everything. You might worry that training someone else takes too much time, or perhaps you feel guilty about "burdening" your staff. While this mindset comes from a good place, it often creates a bottleneck that limits your team’s growth and burns you out.

This year, make a resolution that actually sticks. Commit to delegation not just as a way to clear your desk, but as a strategic tool to strengthen your organization.

Deciding What to Hand Off

To become a better delegator, you first need to audit your time. We know that running an organization is about making smart decisions, and the smartest decision you can make is to focus your energy where it yields the highest return.

As an executive, your value lies in work that directly advances the mission. This includes public speaking, high-level strategic planning, and nurturing relationships with major donors. These are tasks that usually require your specific voice and authority.

On the flip side, look at the recurring administrative tasks clogging your calendar. Are you still reconciling bank accounts? Are you drafting routine membership renewal notices? These responsibilities, while necessary, do not require your specific executive presence.

When you look at your to-do list, ask yourself: Does this leverage my unique skills? If the answer is no, it’s time to find the right person on your team to take the lead.

Empowering Your Team Through Growth

Delegation isn’t just about lightening your load; it’s a powerful form of professional development for your staff. The new year is often when employees are hungry for growth. They are looking for ways to expand their skill sets and take ownership of new areas.

When you hold onto every task, you inadvertently signal that you don’t trust your team to handle the details. By delegating, you show them that you value their capabilities.

However, simply dumping work on someone isn't effective leadership. Before you assign a new project, ensure your staff member has the capacity to succeed. Check their current workload. If they are swamped, adding more to their plate sets everyone up for failure. But if they have the bandwidth, handing off a meaningful project can be the morale boost they need.

Clarity, Trust, and Accountability

Effective delegation requires more than just saying, "Handle this." It starts with absolute clarity.

When you hand off a task, you need to paint a clear picture of success. Outline the goals, the firm deadlines, and exactly why you chose them for this job. Connect the dots for them—explain how this specific task supports the broader mission of the organization.

This is where the "trust" part kicks in. Once you’ve set the expectations, you have to resist the urge to micromanage. We know it’s hard, especially if you’re a perfectionist. But allowing your team the flexibility to approach a problem in their own way often leads to innovation. They might find a more efficient process that you hadn’t considered.

Remember, allowing flexibility doesn’t mean you wash your hands of the result. Accountability still rests with you. Stay involved through regular check-ins and constructive feedback. This ensures the project stays on track without you hovering over every keystroke.

Turning Delegation Into a Habit

If you aren't used to delegating, expect a learning curve. It takes intention to identify the right tasks and match them to the right people. You might stumble at first, and that’s okay.

You will know you’re succeeding when you find yourself with more mental energy to tackle the big-picture challenges. You’ll feel it when your daily work aligns more closely with your strengths as a leader. Most importantly, you will see it in your team, as they feel empowered to make a bigger impact.

This year, let’s move past the idea that doing it all yourself is a badge of honor. It’s not. Smart leadership is about leveraging every resource you have to achieve your goals.

Becoming a More Effective Leader

Delegation is the catalyst for growth across your entire organization. It frees you up to be the strategist and partner your organization needs, while giving your team the space to shine.

At SD Mayer & Associates, we believe that when you have clarity in your operations and finances, you are empowered to make better decisions. If you are ready to optimize your organization and focus on what really matters, we’re here to help you get there.