A Fortune Cookie & Barriers to Delegation (Issue #20)
3 benefits of delegation and understanding your teams feedback style
Your Perspective is Your Superpower
Happy mid-January (umm where did the time go?) balanced.boss fans
Last week, I cracked open a fortune cookie that read: “Your unique perspective will lead to great success.” It felt like a nudge from the universe and I wanted to share it with you.
It’s easy to fall into patterns of “just getting things done.” But your perspective—the lens through which you see challenges, opportunities, and connections is your most valuable asset. It’s what makes your contributions irreplaceable.
This month, I've been reflecting on ways we can harness this uniqueness while building skills that drive meaningful results. Two topics that have been front-of-mind are delegation and giving and receiving feedback. These are cornerstones of great leadership and collaboration, but they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. Mastering them can amplify not only your impact but also how your unique perspective influences others.
↳ What do you think? Are these topics you’d like to dive deeper into?
I’m considering creating content (maybe even a course!) to help you strengthen these skills. But first, I’d love your input.
Take a 1-Minute Survey to Share Your Thoughts
📌Tip of the Week
3-Point Digital Detox
Get out those bingo cards (get one here)! Here are 3 quick ways that you can work on decluttering, digitally—today!
1.Morning:
Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists and notifications
2.Afternoon:
Organize your home screen by deleting unused apps
3.Evening:
Set up "Do Not Disturb" hours for better sleep
3 Benefits of Delegation You May Not Know About and Some Common Pitfalls
Being able to delegate offers a multitude of benefits for you and your team. Making this strategy (delegation) a direct contributor to team growth and productivity.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Delegation allows leaders to distribute work evenly among team members, leading to improved efficiency and overall productivity. Leaders can concentrate on strategic decision-making while team members put their skills and abilities to good use.
Development of Skills and Expertise: Delegation creates opportunities for team members to develop new skills and expertise. Assigning tasks that align with their strengths and interests fosters personal and professional growth.
Empowerment and Motivation: Delegation empowers team members by entrusting them with important tasks and responsibilities. This not only boosts their confidence but also motivates them to take ownership of their work, striving for excellence.
Do any of these resonate with you?
📰 Hello, AMA!
Q: How can I learn about my team members’ feedback style? Recently, when I give feedback, it always ends in resistance or tears. Help!
A: I totally understand where you’re coming from. I used to struggle with this too. A few years ago, I was managing a team member who seemed to shut down whenever I offered feedback. One day, after a particularly difficult conversation, I asked her to join me for a virtual coffee and chat. I said, “I feel like I’m not approaching feedback in a way that works for you. Can we talk about how I can do better?”
That opened the door for her to share that she felt blindsided by feedback in team meetings. She preferred one-on-one conversations where she had time to process before responding. That simple conversation changed everything. I learned to give her a heads-up about feedback topics beforehand, and she started responding much more positively.
Here’s what I’ve learned since then:
Ask Them Directly: Set aside time to talk about feedback styles. Questions like, “How do you prefer to receive constructive feedback?” can be a game-changer.
Observe Reactions: Pay attention to how your team reacts during feedback. Are they overwhelmed? Defensive? This can give you clues about their preferences.
Adapt and Follow Up: After making changes, check in to see if it’s working. Something as simple as, “Did this approach work for you?” shows you care and builds trust.
Feedback is deeply personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s a journey of learning and adjusting, but with open communication and a little trial and error, you can find what clicks.
Want your toughest questions answered? Drop a message.
Check out this exclusive balanced.boss article on substack ↴↴↴
Why Feedback Can Inspire or Shut Us Down
I’ve always been fascinated by how people handle constructive feedback. Why do some individuals thrive on it, using it as a stepping stone to success, while others seem to shrink under its weight?
Wellness Corner
Let’s cross off one of your Bingo squares — ‘Spend some time outdoors, device free’. Here’s 5 ideas on how to get started!
Go for a Walk with Purpose (my favorite)
Take a leisurely stroll in your neighborhood or visit a local park. Focus on your surroundings—the sound of birds, the rustle of leaves, or the feel of the breeze. Leave your phone at home or put it on airplane mode to resist the urge to check it.Start a Micro-Adventure
Explore a new trail, visit a botanical garden, or have a picnic in the backyard. Keep it simple and accessible. Challenge yourself to notice three things you’ve never paid attention to before.Gardening (my second favorite) 🪴
Whether it’s tending to your garden or watering a few houseplants outside, this is a mindful way to connect with nature while staying hands-on.Outdoor Journaling or Sketching
Bring a notebook or sketchpad and sit under a tree or on a park bench. Write down your thoughts, sketch what you see, or even create a gratitude list inspired by your surroundings.Mindful Breathing or Meditation
Find a quiet spot outdoors and take five to ten minutes to breathe deeply. Focus on the sensations of being outside—the warmth of the sun, the sounds, and the smells of nature.
Step outside, leave the screens behind, and embrace the moment!
Community Insights
Big ‘ol thank you!
Just dropping a huge thank you to all of you for taking time out of your day to read, like, comment and send me messages about how balanced.boss has been helping you!
I am always looking for more ways to support you as you grow into a more thoughtful leader. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Until next time, stay well.
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅.𝒃𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎