Do you really enjoy the benefits of delegation?
Delegation is the process of handing responsibility for a task to someone else, and when it’s done well, it’s one of the most powerful tools a leader has. It’s not just about saving time. Research from Gallup shows that CEOs who delegate effectively generate 33% more revenue than those who don’t.
The catch? Delegation is harder than it looks. Many leaders fall into the trap of thinking, “I could do it quicker myself.” And sometimes, that’s true. However, if you never let go, you become the bottleneck, slowing down both your own progress and your business growth.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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The advantages and disadvantages of delegation
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How delegation makes leaders more effective
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Practical tips for building your delegation skills
What is Delegation?
At its simplest: delegation is the transfer of responsibility for a task to someone else.
That doesn’t mean 'dumping' a job you don’t fancy doing. It means trusting someone else with the authority and accountability to get it done.
Leaders who master delegation don’t just clear space in their diary; they scale their business, develop their team, and protect their own sanity.
The Disadvantages of Delegation
Let’s not sugar-coat it. Delegation can be painful, and here’s where it can go wrong:
1. Quality of work can dip
You’ve got a standard. You know how things “should” be done. Handing it over risks mistakes, slower execution, or even damage to client relationships.
2. Wrong task, wrong person
Delegating beyond someone’s skill set can crush confidence. Instead of growing, they feel exposed. Morale drops, and you risk higher staff turnover.
3. Extra costs for training
Sometimes the person could take it on, but only after training. That means extra time, money, and patience before you see results.
4. Your own frustration
The biggest danger? You.
If you expect instant results and don’t allow for learning curves, you’ll get frustrated. And when your energy drops, your team feels it too.
The Benefits of Delegation
Now the good news. Done correctly, delegation is one of the smartest investments you can make as a leader.
1. It saves time (eventually)
Yes, it’s slower at first. But train someone once and you never need to do it again. That’s how leaders free up hours for strategy, growth, and, dare we say it, life outside work.
2. Team growth = business growth
Delegation is how people develop. The more responsibility your team can handle, the more your business can achieve. Productivity rises, recruitment gets easier, and retention improves. This can then lead to increased profit margins, better recruitment opportunities, higher staff retention rates and growing product lines. Not sure whether to hand something over or keep it yourself? Our guide on whether to delegate or not is a helpful read.
3. You finally do the job you’re paid for
If you’re the MD, your role isn’t chasing invoices or tweaking presentations. Delegation allows you to focus on what only you can do: leading, planning, and driving growth.
4. Stronger business continuity
Here’s the brutal question: what if you weren’t around tomorrow?
If every key task is delegated and owned by someone else, your business is far more resilient, whether that’s for succession planning or a future exit. That’s why it’s also a core part of effective succession planning.
Three Tips for Better Delegation
Knowing the theory is one thing. Making it work is another. Try this:
1. Learn to let go
Control is comforting. But clinging to every detail limits both you and your team. Sometimes, they’ll even surprise you by doing it better.
Learn to embrace the change delegation can bring and see your business thrive — freeing up more space for strategic time management as a leader. For more on this, take a look at our article on delegating responsibility as a leadership skill.
2. Match the task to the person
Delegation isn’t “who’s free right now?” It’s choosing the right person for the right job, based on their skills and appetite for responsibility.
3. Give feedback without grabbing it back
Step away, but don’t disappear. Check in, give constructive feedback, and listen to their ideas. Support them without micromanaging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delegation
What are the benefits of delegation for managers?
Delegation helps managers save time, grow their team’s skills, and focus on higher-level strategy. A Gallup study found that CEOs who delegate effectively generate 33% more revenue than those who don’t.
How does delegation help leaders be more effective?
By freeing leaders from routine tasks, delegation allows them to concentrate on decision-making, vision, and growth. It also builds trust and accountability within the team.
Why should managers delegate instead of doing everything themselves?
Managers who try to do everything quickly become bottlenecks. Delegating spreads responsibility, boosts productivity, and strengthens business continuity if the manager isn’t available.
What leadership skills are developed through delegation?
Delegation strengthens communication, coaching, and trust-building skills. It also develops a leader’s ability to prioritise, empower others, and relinquish unnecessary control.
How does delegation reduce stress for managers?
When tasks are shared effectively, managers spend less time firefighting and more time focusing on meaningful work. This reduces overwhelm, prevents burnout, and improves work–life balance.
Final Thoughts
We’ve worked with thousands of business owners across the UK, and here’s the truth: delegation is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it.
The key is to do it intentionally. Be clear on what you’re handing over, who you’re handing it to, and why. Do that, and delegation stops being a frustration and becomes the tool that grows both your people and your business.
