Career Tips >> Browse Articles >> Career Advancement Tips
Career Tips >> Browse Articles >> Entrepreneurism
Career Tips >> Browse Articles >> Workplace Issues
What Tasks Can You Delegate...or Just Stop Doing?
Featured Author:
Shannon Hutton
Shannon Hutton, M.Ed., M.P.A. is a freelance writer, entrepreneur and owner of LinkBloom.com, a consultant firm that helps businesses grow online. She uses her experience and expertise in search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, link building, writing keyword content and website analysis to increase traffic and revenue for select businesses. Shannon applies these same customized business building strategies to promote her site, Playsational.com, where she provides coloring pages to print, easy crafts for kids and giveaways. This website blends both of Shannon’s passions: building an online business and providing fun activities to do with her four daughters!
Add her to your Excelle network!
The opinions and statements made in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or representations of the University of Phoenix.
About University of Phoenix
At the John Sperling School of Business of University of Phoenix, our degree programs are designed to help you develop your knowledge and skills in business and management. Our unique learning culture bridges the gap between theory and practice, preparing you to apply what you learn directly to the workplace.
At University of Phoenix, you learn in a personal, small-class format taught by seasoned professionals who hold advanced degrees. Many of our faculty members are also distinguished practitioners in their industries, bringing their experiences directly to the classroom. Along with the sound business knowledge provided through the curriculum, our instructors also focus on the development of interpersonal and business communication.
As a student, you will utilize a unique learning laboratory where innovation and technology help you get the best out of your experiences. You will work on real-life problems in a learning format combining case studies, simulations and our virtual organizations.
Business Accreditation
We regularly review our John Sperling School of Business degree programs for academic relevance. Our bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, and the master’s in management program are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. To attain such programmatic accreditation, an institution must meet rigorous standards of academic excellence in business education.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats, so please check with a University enrollment advisor for more information.
University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org). For more information regarding state licensure, please click here.
More articles from this author:
Shannon Hutton, M.Ed., M.P.A.
The older I get the more I realize my time is worth as much to me as any money I could possibly earn. And while I firmly believe I have unlimited earning potential in my chosen business, I also realize that no matter how hard I try, I cannot increase the number of hours in my day. Yes, I’ve managed to extend my hours of productivity by sleeping less, revising my definition of clean and reducing the amount of time I spend with my family, but that did nothing to actually increase my most precious commodity: time. Instead, I found myself on a sleep-deprived, clutter-filled, guilt-ridden path to burnout.
That’s when I realized something had to give. And that something wasn’t going to be my quality of life.
How Are You Spending Your Time?
I took a few weeks and analyzed how I was spending my time, both professionally and personally. I even went so far as to write down how long certain tasks took me. During this process of self-evaluation, I came to the conclusion that I needed to not only delegate some of my tasks, but also stop doing certain tasks altogether. Since we all know that time is money, I realized that the time I was spending on unnecessary tasks was the same as dropping a $100 bill on the ground and not bothering to pick it up.
Professionally, for instance, I came to the conclusion that one of my freelance endeavors was not cost effective. In other words, I was getting very little payout for the time and effort I was investing in it. And while I pride myself on not being a quitter, I think there is wisdom behind the notion of “cutting your losses.” Although I was tempted to keep working on the project out of pride, I knew my ego would recover, and it would be foolhardy to keep investing time and energy in a project that needed more attention than I had to give.
Personally, I realized that it was completely appropriate to delegate some household tasks to my children now that they’re getting older. Instead spending valuable time unloading and loading the dishwasher every day, my ten-year-old now helps out with that chore. It frees up time for me, and it teaches her responsibility and that as members of a family, we all need to do our part to help out around the house.
Everyone Only Gets 24 Hours a Day
Although we all have different life situations and career paths, we all have one thing in common: we only get 24 hours each day. Therefore, I highly recommend everyone take stock of how they are spending their time. Consider it a time audit. You might find there are things you are doing simply because they’re ingrained in your routine. Perhaps you’re doing things out of obligation or guilt that need to be stopped. Regardless, this worthwhile exercise will help you determine if you are using your time efficiently. Time is a finite resource. Spend it wisely.
Focus Your Energy
As a result of delegating tasks and curtailing some altogether, not only do I feel more balanced and less stressed, but I am also more focused and enthusiastic about the tasks on which I’ve chosen to spend my time. Now instead of feeling burnt out, I feel energized and motivated to be as efficient as possible with my time. Not to mention, I’m going to bed before midnight, and that’s a good thing.
Reshmi
about 1 month ago
2 comments
this is a terrible article...it offered no actual advice to use. Just a bunch of general stuff that anyone could write. This is just basic common sense and general. Not what I would expect from a professional as this author claims to be. Very dissapointing. I am angry as I thought it would be a good article with valuable information and instead it was a waste of my time.
kerrysnetwork
7 months ago
200 comments
Lots of good info! Sometimes its hard to let go and delegate!
Account Removed
8 months ago
This is a great mindset; I work from home while my fiance has a busy job at an office and a long commute. I sometimes find myself doing all of the household chores, cooking all of our meals and then feeling guilty that I haven't done "enough". Sometimes it's easy to forget that I'M working too - thanks for the article!
MagicMarketing
8 months ago
290 comments
Great article....so many women scatter their energy because we do not know how to delegate comfortably.
EstherZ
9 months ago
118 comments
will do this.... it worthwhile..