Chief of Everything doesn't need to be Doer of Everything

As a Chief of Everything (COE), you may find yourself responsible for a wide range of tasks and projects within your organization. While it may be tempting to try to handle everything yourself, this can quickly become overwhelming and lead to burnout. Instead, effective task delegation is key to managing your workload and maintaining your own productivity and well-being.

Here are five best practices for delegating tasks as a COE.

Identify what tasks can be delegated

Take a thorough inventory of all the tasks and responsibilities you have on your plate (which is no doubt a lot). Consider which ones can be delegated to others, either within your organization or externally. This could include tasks that are time-consuming but not necessarily high-impact, or tasks that others have the skills and expertise to handle.

Choose the right people

When selecting someone to delegate a task to, consider their skills, expertise, and workload. Make sure they have the capacity and resources to take on the task, and that it is a good fit for their strengths and interests. It can also be helpful to have a clear understanding of their availability and deadlines, so you can plan accordingly.

Provide clear instructions and expectations

Make sure that the person you are delegating the task to has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, including the scope of the task, any deadlines or milestones, and any resources or support they may need. Providing detailed instructions and resources can help ensure that the task is completed effectively and efficiently.

Set up a system for follow-up and feedback

After delegating a task, establish a system for follow-up and feedback to ensure that the task is being completed as expected. This could include regular check-ins, progress updates, or a system for tracking and reviewing the task. Providing feedback and guidance as needed can help keep the task on track and ensure that it is completed to your satisfaction.

Trust and empower others

Delegating tasks can be difficult, especially if you are used to handling everything yourself. However, it is important to trust and empower others to take on tasks and responsibilities. This not only helps you manage your own workload, but also helps develop the skills and capabilities of others in your organization.

By following these best practices, you can effectively delegate tasks as a COE and manage your workload more efficiently and effectively. This can help you stay productive and focused on the most important tasks, while also helping others in your organization grow and develop their skills.