When I ask leaders, “Who might do some of the things you’re doing?” Some respond, “I’d love to delegate, but they’re not ready yet.”
What if they’re not ready because you haven’t prepared them?
Successful leadership is seen in the growth of others.
3 Reasons They’re Not Ready
- The Perfection Trap: When you think you’re better than everyone else, no one is good enough.
- The Control Trap: They’re not ready because you can’t let go.
- The Friction Trap: Things get messy while people learn.
Five Ways to Make the Unready Ready
#1. Determine what “ready” looks like.
Get specific. What would they be doing if they were ready? Use clear behavioral language.
#2. Communicate your expectations.
It’s not enough to say, “I need you to step up.” Describe behavior shifts.
- What behaviors need to improve?
- What behaviors need to stop?
- What new behaviors propel them forward?
#3. Audit your development skills.
Who have you prepared in the last thirty days? If your answer is “none,” the bottleneck is you.
#4. Get busy developing people.
Define how you will prepare someone over the next thirty days.
- Training: teach technical skills.
- Mentoring: Share your experience.
- Coaching: Ask questions so they find the answers.
- Stretch Assignments: Give low-stakes opportunities that build confidence.
#5. Redefine your role.
What becomes possible when people act without asking permission?
Readiness reflects development.
Stop waiting. Start building.
How do leaders prepare people to step up?
Delegate: A New 5-Step Approach
Delegate to Build Stronger Teams Sloan
