How to Delegate Like a CEO (Not a Babysitter)
“You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” — Arianna Huffington
How to Delegate Like a CEO (Not a Babysitter)
Last year, I asked my husband to cook dinner one night a week.
Simple enough, right?
But somehow, I still ended up picking the recipe, adding ingredients to the grocery app, and double-checking the fridge. By the time dinner hit the table, I realized I’d done 80% of the work without ever turning on the stove.
That wasn’t delegating. That was disguised control.
If your business feels the same... if your team can't make a move without pinging you first... you don’t have a delegation issue. You have a decision fatigue issue.
Let’s fix that.
Step 1: Let Go of Control (for real this time)
You hired people for a reason. Let them do the damn job.
If you’re double-checking every task, rewriting their work, or mentally bracing for disaster—you haven’t delegated. You’ve just outsourced your anxiety.
Start with clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Document your method, but then, this part is key, give your team space to improve it.
Invite their ideas. Let them show you a better way. Be the kind of leader who listens, not just assigns.
Step 2: Delegate the Whole Task (Not Just the Parts You Hate)
Remember the dinner story? That’s what happens when you don’t delegate the entire task.
Same in business. If you “delegate” your social media but still review every caption and pick every photo, you’re not delegating. You’re micromanaging in disguise.
True delegation means it leaves your brain. It’s done without your input. It’s off your plate completely.
Step 3: Teach the "Three Solutions Rule"
New rule for your team... No question comes without three possible solutions.
This simple shift trains your team to think before they ask. Instead of dumping the problem on you, they come with answers.
And when they do? Don’t pick for them. Ask: "Which one do you think is best?"
Walk them through the process, then let them choose.
Before you know it, they won’t just bring solutions. They’ll start implementing them.
That’s delegation. That’s freedom. That’s how CEOs scale.
TL;DR
Delegation isn’t about dumping tasks. It’s about building trust, releasing control, and finally stepping into your actual CEO role... not Chief Everything Officer. If you’re still reviewing, redoing, or second-guessing every move your team makes, you’re not scaling, you’re spinning.
Start with systems. Set expectations. And then let go. Because the real flex isn’t doing it all. It’s building a business that runs without your constant supervision.
You didn’t hire help just to stay exhausted. Let them work. Let yourself breathe. That’s leadership.
