1. Were you promoted to a manager because you were highly technically proficient and got things done?
2. Do you know more than those who currently report to you?
3. Do you still love to take a project and get it done on your own?
4. Do you currently work harder (longer) than your direct reports?
If you answered yes to three of these questions, chances are you are practicing the pacesetting leadership style a bit too often and that you still need to up your delegation game. Although I could write a book on this, I will instead give you an important distinction regarding your delegation obligation.
If you are not delegating enough important work to your directs, or if they aren't allowed to just grab cool projects, then it is safe to say they are not getting the development they need. If this has been going on a while - more than 6 months or longer, it is also safe to say:
1. You have already or will soon lose your best folks (they will develop with you or somewhere else)
2. You will undermine your direct report's ability to advance
3. You will be unprepared for a larger leadership role (at some point you can't do everything yourself)
4. Eventually you will build a reputation as a leader who does not develop others (and you won't attract the best)
If this rings familiar or if you are resisting this info a bit too strongly, start delegating. Ah, you "don't have time" you say. I know this is true because you are so busy doing the work! It will be more time consuming at first to delegate and you will need to provide the right amount of structure and support. It will be uncomfortable and you may feel nervous for a while (no, it won't be the same as when you do it). So, feel uncomfortable and nervous. Leadership is about getting fabulous stuff done with and through others. Practice delegating and you will get better at it.
Yes, you are still wonderful and it's not just about you anymore.
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