Today I heard four words that almost made me weep tears of joy.
We were having a bit of a challenge with some online technology. We have this fancy form that we are asking people to fill out in order to get a Jump Start session with one of my coaches. Hopefully by the time you read this it will be working: http://www.successconnections.com/jumpstart/
And every 2 or 3 times someone filled it out something wouldn’t work. Argh!
My team had tried very hard to handle it without me. But alas, someone found me on a site and said, “Help, I can’t get this form to work!”
So being the diligent problem solver that I am, I started to troubleshoot and test the system to see what the problem was.
I called my Marketing Manager, explained the problem and said, “OK I’ll call [my virtual assistant] and see what needs to happen.”
My Marketing Manager uttered these four words that almost made me weep…
“I’ll take care of it!” Ahhh…..the relief in knowing that someone else is in charge.
As a visionary, creative and leader of my empire, the last thing I need to be doing is solving technology problems. Thank goodness my team has been trained well in “owning” the problem and keeping me out of the middle.
It’s what I call the grown up business model. It’s one where I do what I do best and leave the rest to the experts on my team. And this is the strategy that separates the “empire builders” from the rest – being able to let go and let others take charge.
So what’s your gig – where do you get caught up in solving problems that suck your time and energy away from what you really should be doing? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheryle Gagnon Says:
November 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pmVisit Cheryle Gagnon
I get up early so I have more time to spend doing things quietly before the noise begins and people start making demands on my time. The one thing I really need is a business partner who can handle financing, allowing me to be free to do the marketing, sales and creative aspects of business.
Do you have any recommendations?
Rebecca Says:
January 4th, 2009 at 11:56 pmVisit Rebecca
Hi Melanie,
I’m so grateful you spell out these typical glitches.
It’s all the little things..
Ours would be the familiar one too of doing tech stuff that should be outsourced.
Also found we were being excellent in many parts of the system but completely forgetting about a couple of critical areas - makeover currently initiated!
We joined your program today which feels very positive.
Scott Lewis Says:
July 29th, 2009 at 10:57 amVisit Scott Lewis
Ahhhh. Isn’t it nice to have someone who supports you AND that you can trust to take care of things!
My challenge is delegating stuff that I’m good at, but is not at the heart of my business. I can build a website, but I don’t need to do that for the success of my business.
Last thing: Isn’t “I’ll take care of it” 5 words?