Why Do We Struggle to Delegate? (And Why It's Time for a Mindset Shift)

Let’s be honest — delegation isn’t always easy.

So many of us wear “doing it all” like a badge of honour. Whether you run your own business, lead a team, or just like things done a certain way, the idea of handing over tasks to someone else can feel… uncomfortable.

But why is that?

Is it fear of losing control? Worry that you won’t be able to explain what needs doing clearly enough? Or maybe it’s that little voice in your head whispering: “I should be able to handle this myself.”

Whatever the reason, delegation often gets a bad reputation — as if passing a task to someone else is some kind of personal failure. But here’s the truth: delegation isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength.

When you delegate, you create space. Space to think. Space to focus on the things that really matter. Space to be strategic rather than constantly stuck in the weeds.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Delegation isn’t just about lightening your load — it’s about bringing new perspectives to the table. When you share responsibility, you allow others to shine. You invite fresh ideas and diverse ways of thinking that you simply wouldn’t have reached alone. You give yourself the chance to learn from others, and you create opportunities for real collaboration.

Maybe it’s time for a mindset shift.

Instead of viewing delegation as “handing off” a problem, what if we saw it as a way of strengthening our work, building our tribe, and unlocking new potential — both in ourselves and the people around us?

Because the truth is, you don’t have to do it all. And you were never meant to.

💡 How to Delegate Well vs. What to Avoid

Do This	Avoid This
Be clear about the goal and expectations — focus on the what and why.	Micromanaging every tiny step or assuming people can read your mind.
Choose the right person for the task — think about strengths and growth potential.	Delegating based purely on who’s available, not who’s best suited.
Allow room for personal approach — trust people to figure out how to deliver.	Expecting others to do it exactly as you would.
Check in at agreed points, not constantly.	Hovering or checking up too often — which signals mistrust.
See delegation as an opportunity for shared success and learning.	Seeing delegation as simply “offloading” work.
Offer feedback and celebrate progress.	Ignoring achievements or only stepping in when something goes wrong.

Delegation is a skill like any other — it gets easier the more you practice, and the rewards speak for themselves. So the next time you feel the pressure to “do it all,” pause and ask: Is this something only I can do? If the answer’s no, it might be the perfect opportunity to strengthen your team, your relationships, and your thinking.