Growing Pains
As your business grows, it’s only natural to bring on help. Maybe you’ve hired someone, or handed off a few jobs to a trusted team member.
But even after passing things on, you might still find yourself in the thick of it – double-checking details, answering the same questions, jumping in to fix things.
This is one of the biggest things that slows a business down. It’s not that you don’t trust your team – it’s that you’ve been across everything from day one, and stepping back is easier said than done.
You’ve handed something over, but you haven’t really let go.
The real problem
Often, the problem isn’t the people. It’s the process. No one’s ever said clearly what needs your input and what doesn’t. So the team keeps checking. You keep jumping in. And you end up carrying more than you should, while your team holds back – either to avoid doing the wrong thing or because it’s just easier to get you to do it.
The solution
Letting go doesn’t mean walking away. It means being clear on what you need to stay across, and where others can take the lead.
Here’s what that can look like in real life:
- Set clear approval boundaries. You don’t need to sign off on every little thing. Focus on the big stuff (like high-value purchases or new suppliers) and give your team the confidence to run with the rest.
- Be specific about what you want to know. You don’t need to be copied in on every email. Just ask to be looped in when something’s delayed, off-track or needs a call you’ve agreed they shouldn’t make alone.
- Give proper support when handing things over. A quick run-through won’t cut it. Make sure your team has clear instructions, something they can refer back to and time to ask questions. That’s what stops things bouncing back to you later.
Encourage ownership. If something’s gone wrong, don’t just take the problem. Ask your team for input on suggested next steps. Even if it’s not perfect, it shows initiative and keeps things moving.
Systems have a role too
The right systems can help too – like being able to see what’s been done, what’s overdue or where budgets are sitting, without needing to ask every time. But no system replaces good communication. It’s the mix of both that makes the biggest difference.
When things are set up properly, your business runs more smoothly. Your team steps up. And you can focus on the parts of the business that really need your attention – not chasing updates or putting out spot fires.
Need help strengthening the day-to-day of your business? I offer short-term, practical support to help get your systems and operations working better, for you and your team.
