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How to Evaluate Yourself as a Leader: A Practical Guide to Self-Assessment

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Leadership is a never-ending journey of growth. It requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. That’s why evaluating yourself as a leader is so crucial to your long-term success. Self-evaluation is a powerful way to identify your strengths, uncover areas for development, and ensure you’re effectively guiding your team toward success. In this post, we’ll look at practical steps to assess your leadership skills, reflect on your impact, and set a course for growth.

Why Self-Evaluation Matters for Leaders

Self-evaluation is more than just a personal check-in; it’s a proactive step to align your actions with your values and goals. By regularly assessing your leadership, you can:

• Gain Clarity: Understand how your behaviors and decisions impact your team.

• Build Trust: Demonstrate accountability by recognizing and addressing your weaknesses.

• Drive Growth: Identify opportunities to enhance your skills and leadership style.

• Inspire Others: Model self-reflection, encouraging your team to grow alongside you.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to evaluating yourself as a leader.

Step 1: Define Your Leadership Values and Goals

Before you can evaluate your performance, you need a clear benchmark. Start by reflecting on your core leadership values and goals:

• What kind of leader do you want to be? Are you aiming to be collaborative, decisive, empathetic, or innovative? Perhaps all of the above? Write down 3-5 core values that define your leadership philosophy.

• What are your goals? Consider both short-term objectives (e.g., improving team communication) and long-term aspirations (e.g., fostering a culture of innovation).

• How do these align with your organization’s mission? Ensure your personal leadership goals support the broader vision of your team or company.

Action Tip: Create a “Leadership Mission Statement” that encapsulates your values and goals. For example: “I strive to lead with empathy and clarity, empowering my team to achieve excellence while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.” Post your mission statement where others can see it. That will help create accountability and build a bridge to step 2.

Step 2: Seek Feedback from Others

Self-evaluation is incomplete without external perspectives. Others can provide insights into how your leadership is perceived and its impact on the team. Here’s how to gather meaningful feedback:

• Ask for 360-degree feedback: Collect input from peers, direct reports, and supervisors. Use anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations to encourage honesty.

• Ask specific questions: Instead of vague prompts like “How am I doing?”, ask targeted questions such as:

• “What’s one thing I do well as a leader?”

• “What’s one area where I could improve my support for the team?”

• Listen without defensiveness: Approach feedback with an open mind, focusing on growth rather than justification.

Action Tip: Use a tool like Google Forms or a platform like SurveyMonkey to create a simple, anonymous feedback survey. Schedule follow-up discussions with your team to clarify feedback and show your commitment to acting on it.

Step 3: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

I’m really close to saying that EQ is even more important for a leader than IQ. That’s because emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship management. To evaluate your EQ:

• Self-Awareness: Reflect on how well you understand your emotions and their impact on your decisions. Do you recognize when stress or frustration affects your leadership?

• Self-Regulation: Consider how you handle challenges. Do you stay calm under pressure, or do you react impulsively?

• Empathy: Ask yourself how well you understand and respond to your team’s needs. Do you actively listen and show genuine care for their perspectives?

• Relationship Management: Evaluate your ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire collaboration.

Action Tip: Take an online EQ assessment, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal by TalentSmart, or journal about a recent leadership challenge to analyze how your emotions influenced your actions.

Step 4: Review Your Decision-Making and Results

Leadership is often judged by outcomes. Evaluate your decision-making process and the results of your leadership:

• Decision-Making Process: Are your decisions informed, inclusive, and aligned with your values? Do you seek different perspectives before acting?

• Impact on Team Performance: Look at measurable outcomes, such as team productivity, morale, or project success. Have your actions led to positive results?

• Adaptability: Reflect on how you handle change or uncertainty. Do you pivot effectively when faced with challenges?

Action Tip: Review a recent project or initiative you led. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and one decision you would approach differently next time. Use this to identify patterns in your leadership style.

Step 5: Evaluate Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical for leadership success. Assess how well you convey ideas, listen, and encourage open dialogue.

• Clarity: Do you articulate goals and expectations clearly? Are your instructions easy to understand?

• Active Listening: Do you genuinely listen to your team’s ideas and concerns, or do you dominate conversations?

• Feedback Delivery: Are you constructive and specific when providing feedback? Do you balance praise with areas for improvement?

Action Tip: Record a team meeting (with permission) or ask a trusted colleague to observe your communication style. Note areas where you excel or could improve, such as body language or tone.

Step 6: Reflect on Your Team’s Growth and Engagement

A leader’s success is tied to their team’s growth and motivation. Evaluate how you are fostering a positive and productive environment:

• Team Development: Are you providing opportunities for your team to learn and grow? Do you delegate effectively to build their skills?

• Engagement: Are team members motivated and committed? Do they feel valued and empowered?

• Culture: What kind of culture are you creating? Is it inclusive, collaborative, and aligned with your values?

Action Tip: Conduct a “stay interview” with team members to understand what keeps them engaged and what could improve their experience. Use their insights to assess your impact as a leader.

Step 7: Set Goals for Improvement

Self-evaluation is only effective if it leads to action. Based on your reflections and feedback, identify 1-3 areas for improvement and create a plan:

• Be Specific: Instead of “I’ll be a better communicator,” aim for “I’ll practice active listening by summarizing team members’ points in meetings.”

• Set Measurable Goals: For example, “I will implement monthly one-on-one check-ins with my team to improve engagement.”

• Seek Resources: Consider leadership training, books (e.g., The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni), or a mentor to support your growth.

Action Tip: Create a 30-60-90-day plan outlining specific actions you will take to improve. Review your progress regularly to stay accountable.

Step 8: Make Self-Evaluation a Habit

Leadership evaluation isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. Build self-reflection into your routine:

• Daily Reflection: Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day journaling about a leadership moment—what went well and what could be better.

• Monthly Check-Ins: Revisit your leadership mission statement and goals to ensure you’re on track.

• Annual Deep Dive: Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment, including 360-degree feedback, to measure your growth over time.

Action Tip: Use a journal or app like Evernote to track your reflections and progress. Set calendar reminders for monthly and annual check-ins.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating yourself as a leader requires honesty, humility, and a commitment to growth. By defining your values, seeking feedback, assessing your emotional intelligence, and reflecting on your impact, you can gain a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement.

The goal isn’t perfection but progress—each step you take toward becoming a better leader inspires your team and drives meaningful results. As you become a more effective leader, your team becomes more effective as well. And never forget, not even for a moment, that your leadership is not about you; it’s ALL about the people you lead.

So, take the first step today: carve out 15 minutes to reflect on one aspect of your leadership, such as how you handled a recent challenge. Then, commit to one small action to improve. Your team—and your future self—will thank you for it.

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People Matter and They Need to Know It

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Even though I may have never met you, I know something about you that is irrefutable. What I know is that you have a basic human need to know that you matter. That you are significant to someone. That you make a difference in the world.

I would like to think that I don’t personally have that need. In some ways, it almost feels like a weakness to me. Except I know that deep inside, I do have that need. I also know that it absolutely is NOT a weakness. Having that need is simply proof that I am human.

A long time ago, in a land far far away, (and a heck of a lot cooler) I was celebrating my 10th anniversary for a company that I would go on to work at for a couple more decades. For each milestone anniversary, the company would allow you to select a remembrance gift from a catalog.

On the date of my anniversary, the gift was presented to me by a couple of my bosses. One of them was the Director of Sales. I’d bet a million bucks that he wouldn’t remember this, but he said one short, simple sentence to me that I’ll likely never forget. He said, “Thanks for what you do; you make us all better.”

And there it was. Verification that I helped people. I made a difference. What I did mattered. It was recognized and verbalized by someone I greatly respected.

I had dozens and dozens of cards and letters from people, literally from all over the world. They thanked me for helping them and for the difference I had made in their lives. But somehow, having someone look you in the eye and say it to your face was much more powerful.

If you’re a leader, you absolutely must understand that your people NEED to know they matter. That what they do makes a difference. Making certain they know that, without a doubt, is one of the most vital functions of leadership.

A leader can demonstrate to their people that they matter by taking actions that emphasize respect, recognition, and support. Here’s how:

Active Listening:

• Engage in Conversations: A leader should listen attentively to their team members, valuing their input and ideas. This shows that their opinions are respected and considered.

• Respond Thoughtfully: Acknowledge concerns and provide constructive feedback, demonstrating that their voices are heard and valued.

Recognition and Appreciation:

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize individual and team accomplishments publicly. This could be through awards, shout-outs in meetings, or personalized notes of appreciation.

• Acknowledge Effort: Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, recognizing the effort and dedication shows that the leader values their commitment.

Empowerment:

• Delegate Meaningful Tasks: Trust team members with responsibilities that challenge them and allow for growth. This signals that the leader believes in their capabilities.

• Provide Opportunities for Development: Support their professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead projects, showing that their development is important.

Support and Advocacy:

• Be Accessible: Maintain an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, or ideas.

• Advocate for Their Needs: Stand up for the team’s needs, whether it’s for resources, time, or recognition, demonstrating that their well-being is a priority.

Foster a Positive Culture:

• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that everyone feels included, respected, and valued, regardless of their role or background.

• Encourage Work-Life Balance: Respect personal time and promote a culture that values health and well-being, showing that the leader cares about their holistic experience.

Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate Integrity and Empathy: By showing fairness, empathy, and consistency in actions, a leader can reinforce the message that everyone matters.

• Be Transparent: Share relevant information and explain decisions to help team members understand the bigger picture, fostering trust and a sense of belonging.

As a leader, you should consistently exhibit these behaviors. They create an environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated, reinforcing the idea that they matter.

The key word in that sentence is “consistently.” Helping people understand how and why they matter needs to be a part of what you do every day. You don’t do it in your spare time; you don’t do it when you can find the time. You put it at the top of your daily task list. You don’t allow a day to pass without letting at least one member of your organization know how they made a difference. No excuses!

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Being a Leader that People Will Want to Follow

Steve Keating 3 Comments

I’ve worked with many people who wanted to be a boss. They would make comments such as, “When I’m the boss, they will have to do what I tell them to do.” They aspired to a position of leadership so they could force people to follow “orders.”

I had a ready-made answer for those people. The answer was, “you may be able to get them to do something, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get them to do it well.” That’s because the best a boss, or most managers, can hope for is the compliance of their people. Compliant people may do what they are told but they almost never pour their heart and soul into doing it. They are most often “bare minimum doers” who do as little as possible. Most often doing just enough to keep their jobs.

Only committed people do more than required. And despite what many organizations say in their mission statements, their people are NOT committed to the organization. That’s because people can only commit to other people. Commitment is very personal. Humans don’t make commitments to their cars. Their houses, their boats, or anything. Not even the place they work at.

They make commitments to other people. So long as they know those people are also committed to them. Most bosses and managers do not possess the characteristics required to build committed relationships with their people. Authentic Leaders do.

People may be forced to comply with a boss, but they want to follow an Authentic Leader. They want to perform well for their leader. They will indeed make a huge effort, consistently doing more than is required of them.

Authentic Leaders create an Authentic Followership. It’s from those followers that they grow more leaders.

It all begins with being the type of leader that people will want to follow. Being a leader that people want to follow does not necessarily require holding a position of authority. It does require building trust, demonstrating integrity, and inspiring others.

If your goal is to be an Authentic Leader, one who others will be excited to follow, then here are some key principles to consider.

You lead by example. Integrity is vital when leading by example. Whether you realize it or not, you ARE leading by example. You must show honesty and consistency in your actions. Follow through on your promises, and adhere to the same standards you expect from others.

If you want dedication and commitment from your people, then you must demonstrate dedication and commitment. People are more likely to respect a leader who works as hard as they do.

Communication reigns supreme. Keep your team informed about important decisions and changes. Clear, honest communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. There is some information that must remain private, but not much. Withholding information which could be shared does not make you more powerful; it makes your team weaker.

And remember, effective communicators are also excellent listeners. So pay attention to the ideas, concerns, and feedback of your team members. This not only helps you understand their perspectives but also makes them feel valued.

Empowerment is more than a buzz word. Trust your team with responsibilities and give them the autonomy to complete tasks. This not only fosters growth but also shows that you have confidence in their abilities. This is a vital step in building more leaders in your organization. If you’re a micromanager, then you’d best be prepared to accept micro accomplishments from your people.

Never stop investing in your team’s professional growth. Offer opportunities for learning and development, and provide the resources they need to succeed. As an Authentic Leader, your own success is completely dependent upon the success of your people. Keep the focus on developing your people, and they will help you and the organization succeed.

Consistently inspire and motivate the people you lead. No one is going to commit to following you until they know where you’re going. Articulate a clear and compelling vision that inspires others to contribute. When people understand the bigger picture, they are more motivated to work toward common goals.

If you want enthusiastic followers, then show enthusiasm for your work. Passion is contagious, and when your team sees your genuine excitement, they are more likely to share it.

Show your people that you truly care. One of the greatest truths of leadership is that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care… about them. Be aware of your team members’ individual needs and challenges. Show empathy in difficult situations and be supportive when they need it.

Foster, at all times, a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. A positive work environment leads to higher morale and stronger team cohesion.

Be a decider. Make informed decisions in a timely manner. Even when tough choices are necessary, being decisive helps maintain momentum and confidence. Once you’ve made the decision, take responsibility for your actions and the outcomes of your decisions. Admit mistakes when they happen, and focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

Everything you say and do either adds to or subtracts from your credibility. Be reliable in your actions and decisions. Consistency builds trust, as your team will know what to expect from you. Treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. Avoid favoritism, and ensure that all team members have equal opportunities.

People need recognition. Regularly recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team. Public acknowledgment boosts morale and motivates others to excel. Consistently show appreciation for the efforts of your team members. A simple thank-you can go a long way in making people feel valued.

By developing these characteristics, you’ll create a culture where people feel motivated, respected, and eager to follow your lead. Authentic Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. When done right, it can lead to tremendous success for both individuals and the team as a whole.

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How to Give Meaningful Feedback

Steve Keating Leave a comment

It is a bit surprising how many people in leadership positions are unaware how important feedback is to the people they lead. Some just don’t like giving feedback. Some think providing feedback could lead to a confrontation so they avoid it like the plague. Some, sadly, are simply too damn lazy to make the effort required to provide meaningful feedback.

But if you’re in a leadership position you must understand that your people need to know how they are doing. They need to know if they are meeting your expectations. They need to know if what they are doing is adding value to the organization. The need to know if they are making a difference.

If you don’t tell them they are likely to assume the worst. In all of those situations. That will demotivate them and cause them to disengage. I do not know of a single organization that can afford disengaged people. Not a one!

Giving meaningful feedback is crucial for the personal and professional growth of the people you lead. Whether you are comfortable with giving feedback or not you need to do it. Here are some steps that might help you give meaningful feedback in a way that doesn’t stress you, or your people, out.

Be Specific. Address particular actions, behaviors, or situations rather than generalizations. For example, instead of saying, “Your presentation was great,” say, “I appreciated how you used real-life examples to illustrate your points in the presentation.”

Be Timely. Offer feedback as soon as possible after the event or behavior you’re addressing. This ensures that the details are fresh in both your mind and the recipient’s, making the feedback more relevant and actionable. Do not “store up” a bunch of feedback and then bury someone with it all at once. There are few things a leader can do that are more demoralizing than that.

Be Balanced. Provide a mix of positive feedback and constructive criticism. Highlight what the person did well, and then suggest areas for improvement. This balance helps maintain motivation and morale while still encouraging growth.

Focus on Behavior, Not Personality. Feedback should address actions or behaviors, not the individual’s personality or character. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re lazy,” say, “I noticed that you missed the deadline for the project.”

Use “I” Statements. Express your observations and feelings using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory or judgmental. For example, say, “I noticed that you arrived late to the meeting,” instead of, “You’re always late.”

Offer Constructive Criticism. When providing criticism, be constructive and offer suggestions for improvement. Avoid simply pointing out flaws without providing guidance on how to address them. Do not say, “you need to do better.” Let them know exactly what “better” looks like and exactly how they can get there.

Be Sincere and Genuine. Authenticity is key to meaningful feedback. Ensure that your feedback comes from a place of genuine concern and desire to help the person grow, rather than from a place of criticism or judgment.

Encourage Dialogue. Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Encourage the recipient to ask questions, seek clarification, or share their perspective. This fosters mutual understanding and allows for a more productive exchange of feedback.

Set Clear Expectations. Clearly communicate your expectations moving forward, especially if the feedback is related to performance or behavior in a specific context. This helps the recipient understand what changes or improvements are needed.

Follow Up. Check in periodically to see how the person is progressing based on the feedback you provided. Offer ongoing support and guidance as needed, and acknowledge improvements or efforts made.

Giving meaningful feedback is not just about pointing out what went wrong. Any boss can do that. A leader is concerned about helping individuals learn and grow to reach their full potential. Make sure that’s your goal when giving feedback and you will do well.

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How to Stop Being a Micromanager

Steve Keating 1 Comment

Almost everyone, except perhaps micromanagers, know that micromanaging is counterproductive. Even some micromanagers realize the damage they do but they just can’t control their urges to turn their people into unthinking robots. This post is written especially for them.

If you’re a leader, you should know that micromanagement hurts your effectiveness and team morale. You are literally holding your people back from their potential. In the process you are limiting the future growth of your organization. In that environment your best people will leave and find someplace where they can use their skills and knowledge. That is unsustainable in today’s business world.

If you’re a micromanager you need to stop, now. If you’re not sure if you’re a micromanager then ask around. Your reputation will precede you. Because no one likes a micromanager, truth be told even micromanagers don’t like micromanagers.

If you want to stop being a micromanager and become a more effective leader, here are some ideas you should begin to put in place today.

• Self-awareness: Recognize the problem. Acknowledge that you tend to micromanage, and understand the negative impact it can have on your team. Self-awareness is the first step towards change.

• Trust your team: Understand that your team members are capable and competent. Trust their skills, judgment, and abilities. Remember that you hired them for a reason, and they can handle their responsibilities.

• Delegate effectively: Delegate tasks and responsibilities clearly, specifying the desired outcomes and expectations. Be clear about what needs to be done, but allow your team members to determine how to accomplish it. Provide them with the autonomy to make decisions within the framework you’ve set.

• Set clear goals: Establish clear and measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your team. When everyone understands the objectives, it’s easier for team members to work independently and make decisions aligned with those goals.

• Communicate openly: Encourage open communication with your team. Let them know they can come to you with questions, concerns, or updates. Regularly check in to offer guidance and support without being overbearing.

• Provide resources and support: Ensure your team has the necessary resources, tools, and training to excel in their roles. Show that you’re there to support them when they need assistance.

• Empower decision-making: Encourage your team to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This helps them feel more invested in their work and fosters a sense of ownership.

• Avoid micromanaging tasks: Resist the urge to constantly monitor or interfere with how tasks are being performed. Give your team space to execute their responsibilities independently.

• Focus on results, not methods: Instead of getting caught up in how tasks are done, concentrate on the outcomes and whether they align with the established goals and quality standards.

• Provide constructive feedback: Offer feedback that is constructive and supportive. Recognize achievements and offer guidance when improvements are needed. This feedback should be ongoing, not just during annual reviews.

• Step back gradually: Reducing micromanagement is a process. Start by loosening your grip on smaller, less critical tasks. Gradually entrust your team with more significant responsibilities over time.

• Develop your team’s skills: Invest in the growth and development of your team members. Help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. That will also boost your confidence in their abilities.

• Learn to let go: It can be difficult to relinquish control, but it’s essential for becoming a more effective leader. Trust your team to handle their responsibilities and avoid the temptation to step in unless it’s genuinely necessary.

• Seek feedback: Ask your team for feedback on your management style and be open to making changes based on their input. This demonstrates your commitment to improvement and your respect for their perspective.

• Be patient with yourself: Breaking the habit of micromanagement takes time. You may occasionally slip into old patterns, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Recognize those moments and commit to doing better next time.

Micromanagement, like most habits can be a hard habit to break. But it’s essential for the growth and development of your team and your own effectiveness as a leader. As you gradually let go and empower your team, you’ll likely see improvements in morale, productivity, and overall team performance.

You’ll feel more like a leader and you will in fact be truly leading.

Leading Reluctant Followers

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Leading people is challenging enough when the people you’re leading want to be led. Leading people who don’t want to be led can be an even bigger challenge, but it’s not impossible. Leading reluctant followers requires that you always keep top of mind why you’re leading. 

If you’re an Authentic Leader that “why” is to make a positive difference in the lives of the people you lead. That Authentic Leadership mindset is all the motivation you’ll need to continue leading, even in the face of tremendous resistance.

Here are some strategies that you can use to authentically lead people who are resistant to leadership.

  1. You MUST truly know the people you lead. Invest the time to get to know the people you are leading. Building a relationship with them can help you understand their motivations and concerns. It will also help establish trust between you and your team.
  1. You are leading by example whether you intend to or not. If you want others to follow your lead, you need to model the behaviors you want to see in them. This means demonstrating a strong work ethic, staying positive, and being committed to the goals of the team.
  1. Communicate, communicate and communicate some more. Be clear about your expectations and the goals you want to achieve. Use clear and concise language. Don’t use waffle words because it is your responsibility to make sure everyone understands and accepts their roles in the organization. 
  1. Be open to honest feedback and listen to the concerns of your team members. Address their concerns and work with them to find solutions that will benefit everyone. As you grow in your leadership role you’ll discover that your people hold within them the solutions to most if not all of your organization’s challenges. But you must be an expert listener if you’re going to hear them.
  1. Give your people real ownership over their work and encourage them to take the initiative. When people feel like they have a say in the direction of the organization, they are more likely to be invested and engaged in its success.
  1. Recognize and celebrate the successes of your team. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating people to continue to do their best work. Recognizing even small successes can lead to bigger results down the road.
  1. Remember that change takes time. Don’t forget that relationship building is a process. It may take a while for people to come around to your leadership style. Be patient and persistent in your efforts.

Leading people who don’t want to be led requires building relationships, leading by example, clear communication, listening to concerns, empowering them, celebrating successes, and being patient. All of those are within your control when you make a decision that says, I’ll Lead Today. 

So, will you make that decision?

Want more of LeadToday? I’ve changed things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I recently began publishing two or three videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sometimes a bonus video pops up at other times during the week. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $4.99 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 

If you’re interested in taking a look, head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday 

Authentic Delegation

Steve Keating 3 Comments

Many “leaders” claim to empower their people. Many say they are excellent at delegating tasks to those same people. Funny thing is, their people often don’t know that. 

The reality is that too many people in leadership positions “dump” work they don’t like to do on their people. They give little direction about how to do the task and then, when it’s not done correctly they criticize the person they delegated the task to. 

This reinforces the thinking in the mind of the “leader” that if you want a job done right, you need to do it yourself. 

But Authentic Leaders delegate differently. When they empower their people they provide well defined perimeters for how and when a delegated task must be completed. Then, and this makes all the difference, they get the heck out of the way and let their people go. 

They know there may be a mistake or two along the way. They use that as a learning experience. They do not take the delegated tasks “back” from their people. They coach them towards successful completion. 

If you’re in a leadership position then you must know that growing and developing your people is one of your core responsibilities. Delegation is an essential tool in that development process. Here are just a few of the benefits of Authentic Delegation:

  • Delegation enables a leader to distribute workload and responsibilities among team members, which increases productivity by allowing more work to be completed in less time.
  • Delegation gives team members the opportunity to take ownership of their work and to develop their skills and expertise. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and motivation, which can increase productivity and performance.
  • Delegation requires communication and collaboration between the leader and team members. This can promote teamwork, trust, and a sense of shared responsibility, which can improve overall team performance.
  • Delegation frees up a leader’s time to focus on high-priority tasks that require their unique skills and expertise. This can lead to better decision-making, strategic planning, and overall business success.
  • Delegation is an important leadership skill that requires effective communication, trust, and the ability to identify and develop talent. Delegating tasks and responsibilities can help a leader to grow their own leadership skills and to develop a strong, capable team.

Authentic Delegation is a win-win for both the leader and their team. It enables leaders to focus on high-priority tasks while truly empowering team members. It also improves overall productivity and performance.

If you are an Authentic Leader then you likely already trust your people enough to be an effective delegator. If you’re in a leadership position and don’t yet fully trust your people enough to delegate, then trust yourself. Trust yourself enough to know that you have the skills and ability to coach your people to success. 

The benefits of delegating far outweigh the risks. Those benefits are long-lasting as well. Start small, delegate some low risk easier tasks. It’s likely your people will amaze you with their ingenuity once they learn that they are actually, genuinely empowered to succeed.

Want more of LeadToday? I’m changing things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. On March 2nd I began publishing two videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $5 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 

If you’re interested in taking a look head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 🙂

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday