Delegation: The Superpower Founders Don’t Use Enough
Picture this: you're a founder juggling about twenty flaming swords while trying to steer your business ship through the stormy waters of Q4. Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But for founders facing intense pressures, it often feels like there's no room to let go of even one of those swords. This is where delegation comes in.
Effective delegation isn’t just a tool — it's a superpower. It’s a skill that, when mastered, can exponentially multiply your effectiveness. But why is it so difficult for founders to let go? Let’s dive into some hard-earned lessons from those who've been in the trenches.
- Lesson #1: Delegation is an Investment, Not an Expense
"I wish I had known that delegation is an investment, not an expense," said one founder we recently spoke with. It sounds simple, but it’s a real game-changer. Delegating feels risky because you’re spending time and money upfront, but the returns are immense. Think about the hours you'll gain to focus on strategy, product, or customer relationships—all things only you can do.
The key here is to understand that the right kind of delegation doesn't just save time — it creates value. It helps founders stay in their zone of genius rather than getting bogged down in tasks that others could handle better.
- Lesson #2: Start Small, But Start
Delegation doesn't have to mean handing over the keys to the kingdom. In fact, many successful founders started by delegating just one task—something small and not mission-critical, but time-consuming. Kyle Kirwan, CEO & Co-Founder of Bigeye, shared that he started by handing off calendar management. It wasn’t a big leap, but it saved him hours each week.
Founders often have this idea that delegation has to be perfect from the start. It doesn’t. Expect some learning curves. The goal is to slowly build trust with your assistant or team, and to get comfortable with letting go. Remember, delegation is a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets.
- Lesson #3: Know Your Worth—And Act Accordingly
We know—you’re a founder because you can get things done. You’re used to wearing all the hats and doing all the jobs. But let’s be real: is answering emails, arranging travel, or organizing your calendar really the best use of your time? Delegation experts talk about operating in your "zone of genius." Your genius might be product vision, sales, or leadership—not booking conference rooms or editing spreadsheets.
One founder put it perfectly: "The feeling of accomplishment after spending time on something you’re passionate about can fuel you more than you think. And for the tasks that drain you? Learn to delegate." Taking tasks off your plate allows you to focus on leading, strategizing, and steering your company in the right direction.
- Lesson #4: Not All Delegation Is Created Equal—Know When to Use AI vs. Human Help
Technology is transforming the way we delegate. But not all tasks are suited for an AI assistant. The founders we spoke to have found a balance between AI and human delegation that works best for them.
For repetitive, data-driven tasks—like scheduling, invoicing, or generating simple reports—AI can be a powerful ally. Founders like Fabrice Bernhard, Co-Founder of Theodo Group, have discovered that when it comes to complex or relationship-driven tasks, nothing beats the intuition and contextual understanding of a human assistant. The best approach is a combination: let AI manage the rote work, and let your talented assistant tackle the more nuanced needs.
- Lesson #5: Delegation Is About Trust, Not Just Control
The biggest mental hurdle for most founders? Trust. The fear that someone else won't do it "your way." But the truth is, even if your assistant handles things differently, you’ll likely find that the outcome is just as good—or better. Delegation is about giving someone else the freedom to make decisions, innovate, and even make mistakes. As founders, this shift is tough but vital.
Take it from Alex, a founder who shared their success story: "When I finally decided to delegate, I realized my assistant could manage certain details better than I ever could." Letting go of the idea that everything must be perfect can lead to surprisingly positive outcomes—both in the work produced and in your ability to breathe a little easier.
Takeaway: Start Delegating Today
The takeaway here is simple: delegation is an ongoing practice. It isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it move. Start small, be patient with yourself, and remember that the more you delegate, the better you'll get at it. The founders who've cracked the code on effective delegation haven’t just done so overnight — they’ve practiced, learned, adjusted, and grown.
Are you ready to make delegation your superpower? At Double, we connect busy entrepreneurs with highly skilled remote assistants who are backed by AI tools and years of experience in best delegation practices. It’s time to give yourself the gift of time and take your company to the next level.