The Next Big Delegation

At some point in a growing business, your delegation game increases. You’re no longer asking, “Who can take this task?” And you’re asking things like, “How can I get even more leverage to focus on my most impactful, enjoyable Unique Ability® work?”

First, I’m so proud of you for getting to this point with delegation. I know that it took years of focus, energy, resources and getting your reps in to reach this point. I want to challenge you with one last bit of delegation opportunity that is sure to become your new force multiplier.

LEADERSHIP REFRAME

Most founders already know two incredibly powerful forms of leverage:

1. Your EA who manages the administrative work around you, owns your calendar and helps you stay focused.

2. Your Integrator or COO who leads execution across the business.

But there’s a third opportunity for leverage that many entrepreneurs haven’t taken advantage of yet: A Chief of Staff.

They are a force multiplier who can step into a focused set of priorities and help:

THINK WITH YOU
Pressure-test an idea. Gather and synthesize information. Prepare options and recommendations. Help you walk into an important decision or conversation better prepared.

MAKE IT HAPPEN
Turn an agreed idea or priority into a plan. Own a selected initiative. Coordinate the people involved. Help get the big things you still own across the finish line.

CLOSE THE LOOP
Move your decision into a clear update. Prepare stakeholder materials. Gather input before an important conversation. Capture next steps and make sure everyone knows what happens next.

That’s a different kind of delegation. And for a founder who has already built strong support around them, it can be a pretty powerful next move.

NOTICE THIS WEEK

Notice when these situations show up:

You have a big idea or own a big rock for the quarter—but now someone (ahem- you) has to map it out, build the plan, coordinate the pieces, and keep it moving toward the finish line.

You need to work through an important decision—but you’re also doing all the prep: gathering intel, researching, weighing options, and organizing your thinking. You really would love to have someone you can just jam and think with to get to a faster, more durable decision.

You’ve made the decision—but the communication, stakeholder updates, and follow-through still require your attention.

This is often the work founders struggle to place. It’s too strategic for the EA. It doesn’t belong with the Integrator. So it stays with you.

TRY THIS

Look at the three biggest priorities on your plate right now and ask:

• Could someone else gather and organize what I need to make the decision? Then sit with me and process through it all to come to a solid decision?
• Could someone else map out, drive and own the next steps on this idea or priority?
• Could someone else coordinate all of the communication and follow-through?

If yes, you may have found your next delegation opportunity.

That’s the idea behind a Delegate Fractional Chief of Staff.

Our new offering gives founders access to senior, strategic support around a focused set of priorities—without adding another full-time executive.

Curious whether a Fractional Chief of Staff could be the right fit for your leadership?

Helping you lead with less,

Emily