“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”
Jessica Jackley
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with everything on your plate? The demands of leading your team and running your organization have piled up to the point that you just can’t seem to get ahead?
If you’re reading this nodding your head “YES”, know that you are in good company. This is a common struggle many leaders face.
For most people, you don’t become a leader or executive director overnight. You start smaller and work your way up.
Perhaps your involvement in your organization began as an entry-level or volunteer position, your hands immersed in the small details of your organization’s day to day functioning.
That was your job. That made sense.
Or maybe you are the passionate visionary that started your organization. You started small. Every job, task, and project fell under your jurisdiction by necessity. You lacked the manpower to do anything differently.
However, as your organization has grown and your career has progressed, you’ve found yourself as the leader of a team with the responsibility of leading and guiding your organization towards future success.
Your change in title should correspond to a change in role and duties. However, many leaders struggle to make that jump.
Think about it…if you are used to handling all of the small details, it isn’t easy to suddenly give up control over the inner-workings of, well, everything.
Does the thought, “If I just do it myself, I’ll know it’s done right” come to mind? Sound relatable?
After all, it’s that kind of “self-starter” motivation that probably landed you in your leadership position.
There’s only one problem…that’s not the role of a leader.
The leader of any team or organization is meant to be more of a “big picture visionary” than a “small details manager.” Rather than allocating your time to smaller tasks, your time is better spent:
- Strategic planning
- Offering mentorship and accountability for your team
- Building relationships with important funders/investors
- Leading team meetings
If you are feeling overwhelmed in your role, find yourself with so much to do in so little time, there’s a good chance you are taking on tasks that are no longer your responsibility as the leader.
My friend…it’s time to delegate.
Strong leaders delegate because…
- It frees up time in your schedule for tasks that truly only you can do.
- It empowers your team to take greater ownership of their work.
- It gives you time to make plans for future growth and stability.
- It allows you to maintain a healthy work/life balance and prevent burnout.
Delegation is an essential skill that strengthens your leadership “muscles”.
If you are a nonprofit executive director interested in developing habits and strategies to improve your leadership capabilities and strengthen your organization, you are invited to join our Intentional Nonprofit Leaders Membership Community waiting list.
In this group, we help nonprofit executives lead strategically and achieve impact in the world — all while staying heart-centered and true to who they are.
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
