Takeaways:
While delegating can be a necessity for the operation of a business, it is clear that delegating too much cuts into our natural tendency to value and cherish the things we work for.
The modern workplace offers us tools that enable us to pack our days with more tasks– and therefore makes it easier and easier to delegate tasks. But to get caught up in this driving pace is to overlook the fact that involvement– getting your own hands dirty on a task– is what gives meaning to so much of our work.
So how do we balance delegation with our own sense of purpose? The author of the piece says, “When the outcome is the only thing matters, delegation is acceptable, but when the experience itself is important, you should do it yourself.”
Both in and out of the workplace, an engaged person is a fulfilled person. Staying active through purposeful, mentally engaging activities like hobbies, socializing, and volunteering not only enhances enjoyment of life but also boosts resilience and may help prevent dementia.
This does not mean that you shouldn’t stop delegating entirely. You don’t need to do every last thing if you are able to delegate some of the work on your plate. Delegating can indeed free up the bandwidth you require to take on the engaging and fulfilling projects.
To not approach delegation critically and intentionally may cost you the chance to enjoy fulfilling, formative experiences– and the satisfaction that comes with a positive outcome built on your own hard work.
From Moshe Bar at The Wall Street Journal:
Note: At the time of this posting The Wall Street Journal requires a subscription to read this article.
