Advice from the Pros: Who Not How

I get it. Your plate is full to overflowing, but you can’t give your work away, right? After all, other people won’t get the job done like you would, or don’t have the capability, or won’t be willing to help you out, right?

Hogwash.

The lies we tell ourselves to keep working harder than we need to can really stack up. I’m guilty of it myself.

In life, we find ourselves with many responsibilities–and it seems the list is ever-growing. 

In the book WHO NOT HOW, Sullivan and Hardy say the key to progress is finding a WHO rather than figuring out HOW to get it all down.

Why don’t we see delegating tasks as a path to freedom? 

Here are four lies that keep us working harder than
we need to:

1. Nobody else can do what I can do

This is true to an extent. You have unique abilities that other people don’t have. That’s the core of the roles you play at work and at home. However, there are a number of daily tasks that can be delegated. Hardy and Sullivan would claim as much as 80% of what we do on a given day should be delegated. That way, we focus on the 20% that we do that is really impactful - our unique ability. 

2. Others won’t do it as well as I can

Not everything needs your unique touch. I learned a long time ago to ask myself the question, “Is this a piano? Does each piece have to be perfect?” The answer is almost always no. I might have a unique way of doing a task, but someone else has an idea that is much better than mine, guaranteed. I’ve got to let go in order for them to take the reins and shine. 

3. I don’t deserve to do less work

I am super guilty of this one. My desk always has half-completed projects and assignments. This stems from a deep seated feeling that I don’t deserve to have a fulfilled, completed day. Why not? Of course I do. And you do, too!

4. I’m a perfectionist

Most people claim to be a perfectionist but they’re really procrastinating. They claim each step must be perfect before they can move forward so they simply don’t move forward. This is a cop-out. The reality is, we could do the job 80% “perfect” and then call it good enough most of the time. There are very few things that need to be done perfectly. Unless you’re a brain surgeon. Then, shoot for perfection. 

When should you start looking for a WHO to help?

1. A general feeling of “I can’t get it all done” that never recedes

If your to-do list is longer than you are capable of completing, that’s a sign you need help. 

2. There’s a project that’s been on my list for too long, and I haven’t been able to make any real forward progress. 

If it was in alignment with your unique ability you would have completed it already. Projects that keep rolling over to the next day and then the next week or the week after are never going to get done. When a project keeps getting pushed, we feel worse with each passing day. Getting help on this will bring instant relief.

3. I’m not sure where to start

If you don’t have an idea of first steps, you instantly feel hopeless. It’s not a lack of talent or ability, it’s simply a lack of resources. Reach out to someone who knows how to get the ball rolling. You’ll feel better and the project will be moving forward – finally.

These are just a few of the obvious times that indicate help is needed. 

Let’s agree to stop being so hesitant to reach out for help! 

As you get more aware of yourself and your talents, you’ll notice when a task lands in front of you and is clearly not a good fit. Take action so the project doesn’t languish. Otherwise, it will add stress to your life.

Okay, you’ve decided to give a WHO a try and you even have an idea of what you need help with – now, how do you find a WHO?

How to find a who

1. Take note of people’s strengths around you

Perform a mental inventory of the people you live and work with. What tasks give them energy? Which ones suck them dry? Which tasks do they complete happily? Which tasks end up on their to-do list over and over and over again? Each of us has different strengths and weaknesses. When we work within our strengths, we’re happier. It’s just a matter of fact. A right-handed person does not like to write with their left hand. 

2. Be realistic when you give a task to
someone else

Don’t give them a bulleted list of the 1,000 steps to take on the project. Be willing to let them take the ball and run with it. Give them the necessary information and let them take it from there. More often than not you will be surprised by how well it goes. And, if it doesn’t go well take note of that (see item #1 above). 

3. Be willing to accept 80%

Most tasks don’t need perfection. Be willing to accept a job that is 80% perfect. Most times, this works just fine. On the instances where you’re looking for a more perfect outcome, be sure you give it to someone who feels the same way (see item #1 above).

Start off with something easy. Something that is on your list over and over again that you can get some help on. 

You’ll be amazed at the mental space it frees up.