Delegation, Elevation, and Freedom: How to Be the Leader Your Team Deserves
Inspired by Simon Sinek, here’s how to lead with clarity, confidence, and balance.
Leadership is more than managing tasks or tracking progress—it’s about creating an environment where your team thrives and your business flourishes. Simon Sinek reminds us that great leaders inspire action, but how do you balance leading with clarity and confidence without burning out or micromanaging?
The answer lies in three principles: delegation, elevation, and freedom. Here’s how to embody these principles and become the leader your team deserves.
1. Delegation: Let Go to Level Up
Trying to do it all yourself isn’t leadership; it’s a fast track to burnout. Delegation is about trusting your team to own responsibilities, freeing you up to focus on the big picture.
How to Delegate Effectively:
Start Small: Identify low-stakes tasks you can pass off to build trust.
Clarify Expectations: Be clear about what success looks like and provide any necessary resources upfront.
Empower, Don’t Hover: Let your team find their way—checking in for support, not micromanaging.
Pro Tip:
Use the “70% Rule”: If someone can do the task at least 70% as well as you, delegate it. The remaining 30% will come with experience and coaching.
2. Elevation: Build People Up, Not Just Processes
A thriving team isn’t just efficient; it’s engaged. Elevating your team means investing in their growth, so they feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.
How to Elevate Your Team:
Give Them a Vision: Help your team see how their roles contribute to the bigger picture.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge individual and team successes, no matter how small.
Invest in Growth: Offer training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development.
Pro Tip:
Schedule quarterly 1:1s to check in on personal and professional goals, ensuring your team feels supported beyond daily tasks.
3. Freedom: Create Space for Innovation
Micromanaging stifles creativity. By giving your team the freedom to experiment, you foster innovation and build a culture of trust.
How to Foster Freedom:
Set Clear Boundaries: Freedom doesn’t mean chaos. Define the “what” (the goal) and let your team decide the “how.”
Encourage Problem-Solving: Resist the urge to swoop in with answers—let your team brainstorm solutions first.
Be Open to Feedback: Create a safe space for your team to share ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
Pro Tip:
Use “fail fast, learn faster” as a team mantra. Mistakes are part of growth—celebrate the lessons learned.
4. Balance: Lead Without Losing Yourself
Great leadership starts with leading yourself. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s impossible to inspire and guide others effectively.
How to Maintain Balance:
Prioritize Self-Care: Protect your energy with boundaries, rest, and activities that recharge you.
Simplify Decisions: Use systems and frameworks to avoid decision fatigue.
Model the Behavior You Want to See: If you prioritize balance, your team will too.
Pro Tip:
Schedule non-negotiable “CEO Time” weekly to focus on strategic thinking, not day-to-day tasks.
The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership
When you lead with clarity, confidence, and balance, you don’t just inspire your team—you create a ripple effect that impacts your entire business. Delegating effectively, elevating your team, and fostering freedom empower everyone to show up at their best, creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
Remember: Great leaders don’t carry the weight of the business alone—they guide, empower, and uplift their teams. That’s how you turn leadership into freedom—for yourself and everyone around you.