004: Delegation Done Right

Welcome to The Founder's Balance: Mastering Time and Priorities.

Today's theme is "The Art of Delegation".

In this newsletter, we will explore how Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, used the art of delegation to build a successful team and win multiple championships.

Delegation is the key to unlocking the potential of those around us, and today we will explore how Michael Jordan did just that.

The quote by Jack Welch is a testament to how the greatest leaders surround themselves with individuals who are better than themselves. Jordan was no different.

He was not only a gifted player but a master at building a team that could win.

When Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984, he quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the league. However, the team struggled to win championships.

In order to build a winning team, Jordan realized that he couldn't do it all himself. He needed to learn the art of delegation.

One of the key ways Jordan did this was by building a strong team around him. He recognized the strengths and weaknesses of his teammates and delegated tasks accordingly.

For example, he trusted Scottie Pippen to handle the ball and make plays on offence, and relied on Bill Cartwright to anchor the team's defence.

Jordan also knew when to step back and let his teammates shine. In the 1992 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan famously passed the ball to teammate John Paxson for the game-winning 3-pointer.

This act of delegation helped secure the team's first championship.

But it wasn't just about giving tasks away, Jordan also took the time to mentor and coach his teammates, helping them to improve and grow.

This resulted in a strong, cohesive team that was able to dominate the competition and win six championships.

To apply the art of delegation in your own life or business, try these unique and non-obvious tips:

1. Clearly define the task at hand and the desired outcome.

2. Choose the right person for the job, considering their strengths, skills, and interests.

3. Provide clear instructions and set clear expectations.

4. Give your team members the autonomy and trust they need to complete the task.

5. Follow up and provide feedback, but also give them the space to take ownership of the task.

Further, you can maintain a high level of Delegation & improve it further by doing the following things

Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Understand what you excel at and what you struggle with. This will help you to delegate tasks to the right people and focus on your own areas of expertise.

Communicate clearly. When delegating tasks, clearly communicate the desired outcome, deadlines, and other important information.

Empower others. Give your team the autonomy and resources they need to succeed. Trust them to take on responsibilities and make decisions.

Learn to let go of control and trust in the abilities of those you delegate to. This will help you focus on your own tasks and responsibilities.

Don't hesitate to delegate tasks that take up too much of your time or energy. This will free you up to focus on the things that truly matter

Conclusion:

Delegation is essential for success, and Michael Jordan's story is a great example of how it can be done effectively.

Remember, the key is to surround yourself with better-than-yourself leaders, and create an environment where they can flourish.

The question I want to leave you with