Principle #41 in Jack Canfield’s book “The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” is Build a Powerful Support Team and Delegate to Them. After reviewing last week’s principle (Redefine Time), I’ve been struggling with how I can create more Free Days.
The clear answer I’m coming up with is a need to add another member to my team and delegate more tasks to this additional member. This principle was a great reminder that now is the time to do so.
The Total Focus Process
Jack outlines a three step process to identify what you should focus on and what you should delegate.
- Create a list of all the activities that occupy your time including business and personal. As an example, here’s part of my list: writing and editing materials for books, writing blog posts, developing new study materials such as Security+ performance-based and regular questions, managing and improving web sites, managing email (unique questions from customers, questions from customers that are already answered on the FAQ pages, partner related, and personal), lawn maintenance, home maintenance, and exercise.
- Identify one to three things that you do better than anyone else because of your unique talents. These are things that few people can do as well as you. For me, one that jumps out is answering unique questions from customers. As an example, I recently received, and answered, a question on braindumps. I posted the question and answer to the LFAQ page.
Also choose from one to three things you do that generate the most revenue for your company. - Create a plan to delegate as many other tasks as possible. Obviously, you can’t delegate everything. For example, as Jim Rohn said, “you can’t hire someone to do your pushups.” However, if you give this a serious look, you’ll realize that you probably can delegate a lot more than you’ve delegated so far.
Focus On What You Do Best
My 22 years in the Navy reminded me of the Blue Angels. I always loved watching them. Even while stationed in Pensacola Florida, I couldn’t help but look up any time I saw them practicing. They were awe inspiring.
These pilots were outstanding. The Best of the Best.
But could you imagine them spending their time refilling the fuel tanks? Could you imagine them doing all the routine maintenance?
Probably not. They could do these tasks, but instead they focused all their energies on their unique talents – learning how to fly these jets with their fellow pilots. They allowed others to focus their energies on their unique talents, such as maintaining these jets.
Admittedly, they probably weren’t consciously delegating these tasks. However, they were willing to let others do them. If pilots tried to take over these other maintenance tasks, they just wouldn’t have the time to focus on becoming such great pilots. Similarly, if you try to do everything, you just won’t have time to focus on your core genius.
Using Assistants
One of the best ways of delegating tasks is to use assistants. This can be as simple as hiring people to do your lawn maintenance. They assist you by maintaining your lawn, freeing you up to do other things.
Executive assistants are on the other end of the scale. They are available to you whenever you’re working and can take care of anything and everything.
I like the story of Raymond Aaron in this chapter. When he decided to sell his home and move into an apartment, he gave his assistant the requirements for the apartment and she found it and brought him the lease to sign. Then, she hired packers and movers and supervised the move. During the move, Raymond was on vacation in Florida. At some point, his assistant called and told him that everything was unpacked, the furniture was arranged, and his new apartment was ready for him.
“If you don’t have an assistant, you are one.”
In today’s age, assistants don’t need to be located with you. Instead, you can hire virtual assistants located anywhere in the world. As long as you’re able to communicate your needs, and your assistant has the training and ability to do the tasks, this can work perfectly.
Virtual assistants are available to do just about anything. Sites such as Upwork help match freelancers with people looking to hire them. Additionally, many sites are available to help you find full-time virtual assistants.
By finding quality people to help you, you can build a powerful support team. Together, you can achieve heights that you’ll never reach alone.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
– Michael Jordan
About This Post
I’ve been learning from Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame) since 2008. I credit much of my success (including authoring or co-authoring more than 40 books) to applying principles in my life that he teaches. I’m currently going through his book “The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be,” covering one principle a week.
Here’s a link to other musing’s on Jack Canfield’s Success Principles.