The surprising risk of being a lone wolf at work

[Lifehack.org]( Delegation - Leverage Your Time Mastering delegation empowers you and your team, leading to sustainable success and reclaimed time. [Share today's tip with a friend.]( Hi there, Do you ever catch yourself holding back from delegating a task, even when your to-do list is overflowing? Many managers wrestle with the discomfort of handing off tasks or decisions, fearing the risk of mistakes. Recent data from SHL, a leading psychometric testing company, exposes a stark reality: Managers spend about 14% of their time fixing tasks or correcting employees’ mistakes. In places with strong hierarchical cultures, like Hong Kong (24%) and India (20%), these numbers surge even higher. But is the reluctance to delegate just about avoiding mistakes? On a bustling day, embracing all responsibilities might feel like the quickest route to the finish line. Delegating can initially feel like more work – especially when it involves detailing instructions. However, view delegation as a savvy time-saving maneuver. For instance, investing an hour now to train a colleague could free up two hours for you every following month. It’s about trading a short-term investment for long-term gains. For those scarred by past delegation disasters or naturally inclined to work independently, giving up control can feel daunting. They may question their team's capability, pushing themselves into micromanagement—a surefire path to a discontented, frustrated team. In an effort to sidestep a hypothetical problem, they may unknowingly set up a very real one. And when you’re the acknowledged expert, passing off responsibilities may feel akin to gambling with your reputation. But delegation can serve as a catalyst for further honing your skills. It frees you to delve deeper into your specialty or explore new, complementary areas. Holding every task close isn't safeguarding your expertise; it’s limiting its potential expansion. The truth is, we've been conditioned to “handle it all,” making delegation unfamiliar terrain. This unfamiliarity can breed our apprehension around delegation, mostly because we haven't been taught how to do it adeptly. But delegation is a cornerstone skill in time management, a lever that multiplies your time, energy, and resources. That’s why we’ve dedicated a significant section to this vital skill in our [LifeHack All-Access Toolkit]( This toolkit not only equips you with the nuts and bolts of effective delegation but also opens doors to our vibrant community and our dedicated Productivity Coaches. Learn, grow, and make steady progress, all at your pace. I encourage you to check out this toolkit and learn the invaluable skill of leverage. [Access the Toolkit →]( It’s time to embrace delegation not as a threat but as your ally in leadership and success. Cheers, Leon Founder & CEO@LifeHack LifeHack All-Access Toolkit Premium courses, tools and techniques for mastering time [Find Out More →]( [Share This Email With a Friend]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( [Pinterest]( Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Lifehack, Unit 33554, PO Box 6945,, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom