Free Articles | Products | Coaching | Events | Success Stories | Affiliate |
Meet Kendall | Media | Contact
How to Delegate Like an Empowered Business Woman
March 9th, 2010 by Kendall
Click here if you would rather listen to this article.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Delegating is a must-do part of everyday business life. But most woman struggle with delegating because they’re often afraid they’ll come across as “too bossy” or “too demanding.”
So instead of learning how to delegate with clarity and purpose, they wimp out, giving up their power with tactics such as using an “oh, please” tone of voice, hesitating to delegate a task, or not being clear about when they need a task completed.
If you plan on doubling or tripling your business, this behavior has GOT to stop!
You don’t need to delegate with the brusqueness of a man, nor do you need to turn into a you-know-what just because you’re requesting someone do something for you. They key is to know how to stand in your power as a woman AND as a leader.
Let me help show you how with these three simple tips. Practice them and in no time at all, you’ll find yourself delegating with power and sensitivity for others. After all, isn’t that what being a woman entrepreneur is all about?
Tip #1 Avoid Going Into “Little Girl” Mode When Making A Request
Without realizing it, women often go into “little girl” mode. Watch your tone of voice for clues. Does it go up at the end of a request? If so, that indicates you’re asking a question, instead of making a request. Practice clearly stating what you want by making sure your voice stays even, or better yet, goes down a bit at the end of your sentence. This sends a message of clarity and purpose.
Tip #2 YOU Set The Done-Date (Instead of Letting Others Set It For You)
Instead of asking when someone can have your task completed, or worse, waiting and hoping it will be done “sometime soon,” clearly state when you need it accomplished. Here’s a simple script to help you:
“I need you to draft a series of emails for me and I need them done by tomorrow.”
Notice how, in this example, you’re clear, to-the-point, and not asking when the task can be done. You’re much more likely to be seen as a leader and have your tasks prioritized when you’re this clear and direct in your communication.
Tip #3 Remember That Other People Love And Respect Leaders
Most people find it comforting and reassuring to work with someone who is clear in their leadership style. Rather than becoming offended or put off, most folks will honor your requests when you combine authenticity and authority.
Women Entrepreneurs Have A Natural Ability To Lead With Grace
Over the years, I’ve grown comfortable with my natural leadership style, which is to make requests with clarity, purpose, respect and compassion. I’ve found that this style honors the best of what being a woman entrepreneur is all about: valuing others while valuing myself.
Posted in Business Development • • Subscribe to this feed
Tags: business strategies, leadership strategies, women entrepreneurs
Kendall this is really helpful. I have been feeling “bossy” lately and will try using your techniques. Especially the deadline one as I get bossy when people don’t read my mind and know when I expected things to be done
Comment by Wendy — March 9, 2010 @ 11:22 am
Great reminders, Kendall. I try to keep in mind that the only way I can help others play big is if I play big. And by big, I don’t mean you have to do everything in the loudest, splashiest way…but rather doing it with all of who you are. That’s true bigness.
Nina!
Comment by Nina East — March 9, 2010 @ 11:46 am
What a fabulous reminder Kendall — and so timely for me right now! Thank you for sharing this piece today — LOVE IT.
Comment by Stephanie McWilliams — March 9, 2010 @ 11:47 am
This is great - especially since I’ve finally gotten an young intern to assist me. Thanks Kendall!
Comment by Beverly — March 9, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
Great Kendall!
I am at the point in my business where I have to decide to delegate or clone myself! Thanks for the tips…
Comment by Donna — March 9, 2010 @ 2:29 pm
You are absolutely right. If our business is to grow, we need to learn how to effectively communicate requests. I like your advice too, for communicating with my company’s vendors… respectfully telling them what I need and when I need it.
Thanks!
Comment by Rhonda — March 9, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
Thank you for the great tips. It’s so true, other people cannot read our minds. One thing I also like to convey to the people I work with is my “no last moment surprises” policy from my past management experiences in the corporate world. If something major and out of the ordinary comes up that may affect a deadline or the completion of a project, I want to know about it asap rather than as a last minute excuse why things didn’t happen as planned.
Thanks again for these reminders.
Comment by Anastasia — March 9, 2010 @ 7:12 pm
Wonderful Tips Kendall!
As the CEO of a Virtual Service firm I see firsthand how implementing these tips will make the relationship with your service provider an open clear and more productive experience. It is also important to find a company or provider that is accustom to asking the right questions to get the project done. Happy Delegating!
Comment by Melinda Janicki — March 13, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
So true, Kendall! Women tend to go into “little girl” mode when they’re afraid of expressing their power. It’s a way of staying small and non-threatening. I often hear women stating their requests as a question, i.e. “Can you do that for me?” instead of a command, i.e. “I’d like this done for me.” It’s amazing how much our language reveals our level of empowerment. The good news is that we can change our language instantly and witness the results!
Comment by Melissa Zwanger — March 18, 2010 @ 6:14 am
Hi Kendall,
I love this article because to my own team I am always like that: this is what I want, this is how I want it done and this is when I want it. And if everything is perfect I am quick to praise, and if not - I can show off my Queen archetype with words like: This needs to be done and you’d better start working on it now. I was little worried that I am a little tough on them … but now…I’ll just continue setting the rules with smile and grace.
Comment by Tsvetanka — March 19, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
Hi Kendall,
Speaking from the other side of the fence, I truly appreciate dealing with clients who can articulate what they want and when they want it.
It saves me the extra step of negotiating a timeline, and avoids misunderstandings.
Heather
Comment by Heather Robinson — March 20, 2010 @ 7:10 pm