Project Hoarders

Most high impact leaders are “project hoarders”. This is the irresistible urge to hang on to every piece of authority and the ownership of every project or initiative. I’ve fallen into this trap many times.

“Project Hoarders”. The irresistible urge to hang on to every piece of authority and the ownership of every project or initiative. Click To Tweet

A new idea is formed. A vision emerges. As a leader, we see this is as our baby and feel the responsibility to nurture its growth. We set the project in place with our own systems and launch it in the direction it should go.

The problem arises when we face facts. Most visionaries are not good at follow-thru. Initiators are usually not great finishers. The reason for this is the hard wiring of our behavior and personality. Usually, Initiators need a variety of tasks to complete. For that reason, they are good at starting many things but are easily bored to see it to its conclusion. Are you working at your POP: Personal Optimum Performance? Read about your POP HERE.

All successful leaders should know what they do well, and also know what should be delegated to others who can do things well. Every great leader surrounds themselves with other great leaders. So how do you multiply your ability to get things done? DELEGATING.

I would put the art of delegating into a math equation:
Respect + Expect + Inspect = Art of Delegation (REI)

In business, we are all aware of the how things benefit the bottom line. Financially we base success on the Return On Investment (ROI). Well, I suggest that the best way to see a positive ROI is to lead with a REI.

When you are overloaded and/or really need to consider the how to delegate, consider this simple 4-Step Process:

Step #1 NOW!
List all of the things that you have to do. What are the obvious things that you just do not want to do? They just suck the energy right out of you. Ask yourself, “What could I delegate NOW?” Take them off of your plate immediately and feel some of the weight disappear.

Step #2 WHAT & WHO?
Look at the list again. What are the obvious things allow you to use your strengths and remain effective? What are the obvious areas where you lack strengths or would not be a good use of your time? Who does have the strength in this area and the adequate time to lead it? Then, let it go and let them lead?

Step #3 WHEN & HOW?
Timing is everything. As a leader who is an initiator needs to remember, birthing the idea is just the beginning. Before you can hand it off, you should be sure it is healthy enough to grow. Have the confidence that you have taken it as far as you SHOULD, and have equipped the right person to take it to another level.

Step #4 WHERE?
Where do you want this to go? Once you turn the responsibility over to someone that can lead it, you must have the systems in place so they can succeed. By giving them the parameters, expectations, and tools; let them lead. Your job at that point is
Respect + Expect + Inspect = Art of Delegation (REI)

  • Respect the person who has taken the responsibility. Allow them to do their job.
  • Expect – Give them the knowledge and tools to their job, along with the expectations.
  • Inspect – Step back into the project long enough to know the progress and where you may add value.
Respect + Expect + Inspect = Art of Delegation (REI) Click To Tweet

“Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished.” – Lisa Cash Hanson

“Leadership is being bold enough to have vision and humble enough to recognize achieving it will take the efforts of many people — people who are most fulfilled when they share their gifts and talents, rather than just work. Leaders create that culture, serve that greater good and let others soar.” – Kathy Heasley,

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