In the many (sig!) years I worked with companies, as a manager and/or as a business coach, I noticed that
too often bosses work more than their staff:
even much more!
Are managers aware of this situation?
In my training courses on delegation, I do my best to help participants to clarify the reasons for this behaviour.
So, when the ice is broken, I ask the key question.
Why is it so hard to delegate?
Here are the answers I get, which I synthesise in my own words:
- I do it myself and I do it faster;
- I can’t tolerate the fear that my staff might make mistakes;
- when a member of my team has a problem, I do my best to solve it. What’s wrong with this?
- I know I make a significant contribution to the company. I feel important!
- I don’t trust my staff member, he is not skilled enough;
- I make it clear that I cannot be replaced;
- doing it by myself is easier than managing other people’s work;
- taking over responsibility is easier than leaving it to others;
- I show everybody how skilled I am. More than my staff!
- I am afraid that my staff member may prove to be better than me (you have seen how hard he works, haven’t you?).
Would you like to add some?