The One Exercise Every Multi-Hat Delegator Should Try If They Want Work Life Balance
A little over a month ago I was sitting at my desk wondering how to best outline a job description for a Marketing Intern.
Like many people who work for a small business, I wear many hats. I am in charge of Marketing, blogs, the website, product creation, social media, CMS, auto responders, the list goes on and on.
It was a bit over whelming thinking of everything I do and where I would direct an intern’s focus.
So I started by simply listing my hats…then what I enjoyed doing in each of them…then what I would love to delegate.
The result was the Exercise below.
Click for Full Size and Downloadable Word Doc
I emailed this to my boss and thought that was the end of it.
When I first set out to do this, I thought the exercises’ sole purpose and benefit would go towards getting an intern. But I was wrong.
I started to see several benefits for myself…even before getting an intern.
Here’s why.
1. Leaders Considered My Hats When Assigning Me New Projects
My leaders knew I got a lot done, but probably weren’t as clear just how many roles I was playing at once.
Listing my roles of Editor, Community Manager, WebMaster, Marketing Manager, etc really helped them visualize just how much work it was to maintain each of those needs for the business.
Now, when our team works on long term projects, they consider the time each of these hats plays on how much time I can dedicate to a single project.
My stress is much easier to manage, and deadlines don’t cause the other roles to take a hit.
2. I Realized What I Loved About My Job
Let’s be honest, even dream jobs have stinky parts.
Seeing each of my roles singled out and listing what I liked about each of them reinforced why I love the career I’m in and why going to work each morning is exciting and a thrill.
The column for things I wanted help with weren’t necessarily dull or tedious. Often it was time intensive or could be done just as effectively by others.
3. It Created A Win/Win For The Business, Myself, and the Intern
The best part was every one wins when you delegate effectively.
The business gets my time focused on the most productive tasks which result in more revenue, growth, and success.
I get to do more of the things I’m good at and enjoy. Which makes me happier, less stressed, and free from burnout.
The intern gets an education in a variety of marketing roles, without feeling over their head.
Should You Try This?
With the recession STILL dragging on, many of you may be doing the work that entire teams used to handle.
Maybe your managers give you more work or deadlines than reasonable for a single human being. Showing them this exercise could lead to you getting some help.
Maybe you can’t afford some additional staff or interns to delegate to. However, this exercise may help you see where you might focus your own energy and start cutting out tasks that may not provide the same results you would get under a more focused approach.
Maybe it’s not just the roles at work that have you out of balance, but everything you do on top of work as a mom, tutor, coach, house keeper, babysitter, chauffeur, you name it.
You are not alone, give it a shot! Change the rows to different questions if you like.
Heck, send your exercises to me (bchristiansen@balancedworklife.com).
I’d love to help if I can.
Let Me Know What You Think
Was this helpful? What did you learn?
P.S. We are currently looking for a Marketing Intern. If you, or someone you know in the Scottsdale AZ area would be a good fit. Have them apply.
The job description can be found here.
image courtesy of mookie_dc
Wow, this is really eye-opening. I often feel like I’m doing the work of several people. I’m definitely going to outline my tasks like this. I already know what things I enjoy doing and what I would like to delegate. Thanks.
Sage recently posted..5 Situations Where “Good Enough” Is Enough
Thanks Sage,
This was an experiment on my end that really worked out well. I wasn’t sure what others would think, but I’m glad you found it helpful.
Welcome to the blog, and I hope we see you again.
Bryce
Hi Bryce,
I think i wear about as many hats as you when it comes to my small business. It difficult at times but I’m learning that somethings need to outsourced. no man is a island.
It’s also important not to delegate to much to one person either as this person may get too overwhelmed as well.
BTW, Happy New year!
Vic recently posted..7 Ways You Can Improve Yourself Right Now
Seriously, anyone who manages a blog by themselves is amazing in my book.
That takes a ton of effort to do. I couldn’t agree more about the delegation tips as well.
You have to be careful what’s too much and what’s not enough, as well as what exactly you delegate.
Happy New Year to you as well!
Bryce
Great post, Bryce. Thanks so much! Working for small start-ups definitely means wearing a lot of hats, and this is a fun way to organize all of those responsibilities. Definitely helpful.
- Erica, YouTern social media intern
Erica recently posted..5 Social Networking Job Search Mistakes to Avoid in 2012
Thanks Erica,
I appreciate that. Great to see you here on the blog
Bryce
Bryce, great idea. I did a similar exercise about a year ago and discovered that one hat that I was wearing was “email responder”. I immediately cut back on this low value activity and replaced it with some higher value activities, like analyzing P&L. The results have been astronomical. Great article and thanks for sharing. Good luck interviewing!
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