Are you a rower or are you a steerer?

Why do most people get promoted into leadership positions?

The number one reason is, that we are good at doing things.

Or as I like to put it, we are good rowers.

When we get promoted, we get the extra 4.75 euros a week before tax.

What do we now feel we need to do?

Row faster?

But, what is the impact of rowing faster and faster? exhaustion, stress, and burnout.

In my experience of working with leaders for the past 25 years, the biggest reason for failure is the inability to delegate.

So what’s the alternative?

As a leader, we need to become more of a steerer.

That is getting work done through other people.

Action for this week:

List the main tasks you are now doing or the tasks for which you are responsible, then consider the following questions.

a) Is there someone, who, while doing the task slightly different from you, or in slightly more time, can still achieve an acceptable level of performance?

b) Is there someone who is paid less than you, who can do the task satisfactorily, thus lowering the cost of performance?

c) Is there someone who will benefit, in terms of their personal development?

Now, look at what you can delegate.

A good leader never puts off until tomorrow, what they can get someone else to do today!

Are you a rower or are you a steerer?