This series of blog posts has been discussing the important lesson I’ve learned from the experience of working with my dog, Kailee, and her trainer Susan. Susan made the point that “Yes, Therese. You can outsource having Kailee exercised…But you cannot outsource being the leader.”

Too often we get so good at and have such great results by delegating tasks, that this simple example with Kailee really showed me the downside to this way of being. We are at risk if over using delegation to not face the music or take personal responsibility when we use it to stick our heads in the sand and don’t have the courage it takes sometimes to be a powerful leader and work through the situations that are challenging.

Let’s break it down further….

Here’s a list of things you can and should outsource:
Marketing activities
Sending out newsletters/articles
Booking appointments/scheduling speakers
Research
Bookkeeping
Social media content
Client support
Word processing/data entry
Graphics/web design
Copywriting
Setting up teleseminars, events
Follow up via cards, etc.
Database management

But this is what you absolutely can’t give away:
Being the leader for your team
Speaking the truth when things are hard
Creating the culture of your company and sharing that
Visioning for the future
Raising the bar for expectations
Communicating what’s real
Taking responsibility – the buck stops with you

For me these are some pretty powerful distinctions. Leadership isn’t easy at times. It takes courage. You may not be popular and loved by all. Yet there is no more important asset to you as a business owner. And I also know it’s like a muscle that you can work to strengthen.

So that’s my challenge to you this week. Look at the places in your business where there are opportunities to outsource, and then find more opportunities to lead. What’s gonna change in all of this? YOU! You will find strength in yourself you didn’t know, and a resolve that will serve you well. Step up and step out! We need your gifts in the world.

Blessings,
Therese