by Donna Toothaker
You are a successful VA with a thriving business. You have a highly-skilled, competent team in place. Then, why are you still holding on to a certain client, or administrative tasks, when you could be using your time to grow your business and claim your post as CEO? Maybe, you are harboring one of these limiting beliefs:
“It’s just easier to do it myself.” Delegating a task requires a bit of preparation and effort up front to explain to your team member, in detail, the task and how to carry it out. When you know that task inside and out, it may take a lot less time for you to do it than to hand it off to someone else — but if it is a recurring task, it is wise to take it off your plate. If the extra time spent bringing your team member up to speed is what is keeping you from delegating, think of that time as a wise and cost effective investment, spread out over how ever many times the task will need to be done in the future.
“I can’t trust anybody else to complete the work the way I want it do be done.” Fear of letting go is a control issue. You hold yourself to a high standard, and when you are doing the work, you control the quality, and hold the responsibility, for the results. How can you trust someone else to invest the same amount of attention in and put the same value on a project or task as you would, without becoming a micro-manager?
Choose the right team member for the job. Is the team member skilled in this area? Does she work well independently, and communicate openly with you when she is having any difficulties with certain tasks, or meeting deadlines? Is her work load flexible enough that she can prioritize your task appropriately? What are her career goals and interests? Would this task be interesting for her and help her to meet her goals?
Clearly define the parameters of the work, and your expectations. You can be in control without being “controlling.” Set your team member, and your project on a trajectory for success by clearly communicating the details and requirements, and the importance of the task at hand. In a positive and affirmative fashion, lay out your expectations as to the way the task should be handled and the end result. Define and calendar deadlines, and set up meetings and mini-deadlines to track progress throughout the project. Consider using a project management tool like Basecamp to communicate and keep tabs on things while giving your team member the authority and autonomy she needs to get the job done.
“My client wants me, and only me, to handle his work.” There is always one finicky client in the bunch. Perhaps this is somebody who has been with you since you first started out – when you were a one-woman shop and every client worked directly with you. Or, maybe you took him on during a time when business is slow, and you’ve been regretting it ever since. Now that your business has grown, and your role has changed from the front lines to first in command, you have the opportunity to gently shift your relationship with even your most “spoiled” clients. Assure your client that he will be in good hands by personal introduction to the team member you choose to be his point person, and follow up with him, and your team member after a week or two. If he stays on, then you have finally shifted out of client work and into a supervisory role.
If you want to claim your role as CEO, learn to let go. Address the limiting beliefs that are keeping you on the front lines, step into the driver’s seat, and put your business into high gear!
Donna Toothaker is CEO, founder and coach of Step It Up VA Coaching. These highly sought-after VA coaching programs have been created for established, successful VAs who wish to create the 6-figure business of their dreams. Visit http://www.stepitupva.com to receive the free report, Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid in Creating a 6-Figure VA Business.
***What limiting beliefs do you have, or have had to get over to be able to be the CEO of your company and have the business growth you need? Leave your comments below!
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Great piece, Donna! This applies to ALL service professionals, and is something that can definitely hold people back from the growth they imagine.