How to Delegate for Growth: Letting Go to Level Up
Letting go isn’t easy. In my own career over the years, I’ve been in the trenches with many different teams, sometimes large, sometimes small, and I still remember how tough it was to delegate things to others. If you’re a business owner, you probably know that feeling all too well: the tension of wanting things done right, the urge to keep your hands on everything, and the worry that letting go means losing control.
But here’s something I’ve learned over the years: holding on too tightly can actually keep your business from growing. Don’t think of delegation as only a business tactic. I think it’s way more than that. I genuinely believe delegation is a principle that is based on wisdom and faith. Some of the best leaders, both in business and in the Bible, had to learn to trust others with real responsibility. Even Jesus sent out his disciples, trusting them to make decisions, to learn, and, sometimes to make mistakes. That stuff isn’t about just delegating tasks to others, it’s how individuals can empower one another.
So why do we hesitate to delegate? Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s pride, maybe it’s habit, maybe it’s just a short-term mindset by thinking you could just do it faster than someone else. While you might be able to do it faster this time, it’s also not building into others to help them grow and eventually do the task as good as, or better than you. Sort of like how we let the kids help load the dishwasher after meals. They’re learning, and there’ll be some bumps in the road while they learn. But eventually, they do, and then you can rely on them to do it efficiently.
Here’s a simple exercise I’ve always found helpful to understand how letting go can help you. If you’re reading this, try it with me: Make a fist with your hands, palms up, as if you’re clinging tightly to something precious. Notice the tension in your fingers, your wrists, maybe even up your arms. This is what it feels like to hold on too tightly. You might be holding on to your tasks, your business, or your everyday worries. Now, slowly open your hands. Feel the tension ease, not just in your hands but maybe even in your chest or shoulders. There’s relief in letting go, isn’t there?
It’s more than just a physical exercise. For me, it’s symbolic of giving things over to God-releasing what I can’t control and trusting Him with the outcome. And here’s another point: how much can you hold in your hands with clenched fists. But with open hands, you’re ready to receive whatever blessings, opportunities, or support God wants to give. Sometimes, the very things we’re desperate to hold on to are the things keeping us from receiving what’s next.
Here’s what helped me in my leadership journey, and what I share with my clients:
Figure out what you can let go of. Not everything needs your stamp of approval. Start with the tasks that someone else could do just as well (or maybe even better).
Empower, don’t just assign. Don’t just dump tasks on someone. You have to equip others. Give them the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. Think about how Jesus didn’t just give instructions, He invested in His team through teaching.
Set expectations, but don’t micromanage. Let your team know what a win looks like, but give them space to figure out how to get there. Sometimes things go sideways, but that’s where growth happens. They might just find a more efficient way that you hadn’t considered.
Give feedback and celebrate the small wins. I’m not always great at this, but I’ve seen how a little encouragement can go a long way. Be a positive force and get excited when they make progress!
Trust the process-and your people. As a faith-driven leader, you need to be focused on more than just the outcome; believe in your team and in God’s bigger plan. Letting go can feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s the most faithful thing you can do.
Hopefully you’re seeing that delegation is way more than an act to get things off your plate. You can multiply your impact, build and truly lead your team, and free yourself to focus on what matters most. A key to business growth is being able to scale. You can’t scale if you do all the work.
For me, faith isn’t just a side note-it’s the foundation that shapes how I coach, consult, and serve. I really do see things differently because of it. If you’re feeling stretched thin or stuck at a growth ceiling, maybe it’s time to ask: What could I hand off? Who on my team is ready for more? And am I willing to trust in my people, and in God, that letting go might actually be the key to leveling up?
If you want to talk about how letting go could change your business, reach out. Sometimes the first step is just admitting you can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all alone. Open your hands. Open your heart. Let God pour in what you’ve been missing.
What’s one thing you could let go of this week? Pray about it. Commit to it. Be accountable for it. Execute it.
Be blessed. Do good stuff today.
