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Breaking the Addiction: How to Delegate as a Privately Held Business Owner

Picture of Brian Eisbrenner

As a privately held business owner, delegating can be one of your biggest struggles. When everything is on the line, it's easy to rely on yourself and become comfortable in the role of being the one in charge. This comfort can then evolve into a sense of identity. Before you know it, you've become addicted to the adrenaline rush of solving problems and the rewarding feeling of being needed.

However, this addiction can come at a cost. By constantly rescuing employees, you rob yourself of autonomy and your employees of the opportunity to learn and grow. It also takes a toll on your life outside of work - your family, friends, hobbies, and health all suffer.

So, how do you avoid becoming the most reliable person in your business? Here are three steps to help you on your journey:

  1. Hire a business coach - A coach can provide an outside perspective and help you identify patterns and habits that are holding you back from delegating.

  2. Take time off - It's hard to let go of control when you're always on the clock. Taking time off allows you to see the gaps and blind spots in your business that your presence may be covering up. By taking time off and disconnecting, you'll be able to come back to your business with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of perspective.

  3. Empower your staff - Once you've identified areas where you can delegate, empower your staff by giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed. This means providing them with training and opportunities for growth, and then giving them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

In conclusion, delegating can be difficult for a privately held business owner. However, by hiring a coach, taking time off, and empowering your staff, you can break free from the addiction of being the most reliable person in your business and allow yourself and your team the opportunity to grow and thrive. This not only improves your business but also your life outside of work.
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