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Delegation 101

Delegating is an investment that pays dividends. However, it is an investment, and it is not always easy. We know you can be successful at delegating and we're here for you as you master delegation.

5 key steps for delegating well:

Be clear with your information and vision. Be specific so there is no ambiguity. Ask the person you are delegating to, to repeat back what you have said. Clarity is key. Like a skillful carpenter, measure twice and cut once.

Make sure you give this person any resources they might need and the permission to make decisions. You’ll need to coach them directly on the first few tasks. Over time, they will take less of your time. Assume no one does it perfectly the first few times.

Define what success looks like and set expectations. Set when you’d like the task or project to be completed and be sure to add some buffer time if possible.

Don’t do the work yourself after you’ve delegated it. This communicates that you don’t really trust the person. If you must step in, communicate that first and let them know why.

Be sure not to delegate by abdication. You are ultimately still responsible for outcomes. Someone else is working on your behalf, but don’t dump and run.

Blog Articles on Delegating

Time Management Tips

Time Management Tips

Why do some people seem to get so much more done with their time than others? What is the secret to managing your time effectively? There are many answers that are unique to everyone on this topic, but we did find a handy guide about this all-important productivity...

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The Art of Productivity

The Art of Productivity

Being productive takes planning, and energy. We have all put off those things that we really wanted or needed to do! We recently read a fantastic blog post about how time, energy and attention are all at the core of being more productive, and the importance of daily...

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Delegating the “Heavy Lifting”

Delegating the “Heavy Lifting”

The art of delegating can be tricky, but worth it!  How do you develop the people around you to really rise up and take on more of the 'heavy lifting' of your company? Giving things 'away' can seem daunting but once you do the real work of learning how to effectively...

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The Accountable Leader

The Accountable Leader

Our CEO Gina Cotner frequently speaks to other Admin and Executive organizations on successfully managing expectations what accountability really looks like. Our own team of high-performing Executive Assistants are continuously trained and mentored on setting and...

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Taking time off during the pandemic? But how?

Taking time off during the pandemic? But how?

“But business is slow. I’m not as busy as I once was. How can I justify Time Off?” Time Off is for your overall wellness. And you have been taxed during the pandemic.  You have been taxed mentally, emotionally and perhaps financially and physically. It has been a...

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Tips for Effective Delegation

Tips for Effective Delegation

Coaching our clients and Executive Assistants on effective delegation is one of the most important things we continue to do. Delegating with intention keeps a partnership strong and productive. We like this article that outlines 7 tips the author finds effective....

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The Leader Assistant

The Leader Assistant

We've been looking forward to the launch of this book! Our CEO, Gina Cotner, had the honor of writing a recommendation for The Leader Assistant, that is included on the inside pages. She was also interviewed by author Jeremy Burrows on his podcast last year, The...

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Managing people remotely

Managing people remotely

Athena has always been a work-from-home company. 100% virtual, from Day 1.     But what does it take to manage your staff from home? There’s a lot that has come out in the last week or two on tips for working from home. But how do you manage your team, while sitting...

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Delegate Effectively

Delegate Effectively

Enjoy this great podcast about delegating effectively! We love Asian Efficiency and learned a lot from this particular episode. If you don’t have an hour to learn about delegation, check out the podcast cheat sheet and pick a section that sounds good to you! Perhaps...

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What to Delegate? Stuff I’m great at? Maybe.

What to Delegate? Stuff I’m great at? Maybe.

Thank you Shawn Blanc for once again brining sanity to a fast-paced overwhelming world. We love this blog of his that starts with the actual definition of "Overwhelm”. What are some things that you’re great at and don’t like doing? The Very Definition of...

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Is it worth it to delegate?

Is it worth it to delegate?

I can do it faster myself. It's going to take me longer to explain what to do, than it will take for me to do it myself! No one will do it like I want it done. No one can do it as well as I do. I tried delegating before. It didn’t go well. Sound familiar? Those...

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