“3 key steps for busy managers when delegation is not possible

💎 In situations where busy managers cannot delegate more tasks to others, three practical strategies exist to achieve greater productivity without increasing resources:

◽️1. Accept “good enough” work Managers often fall into perfectionism, expecting every task to be completed at the highest level. However, this approach consumes excessive time and energy and slows progress. The authors recommend that managers instead align tasks with their purpose—defining an appropriate level of quality for each task and sharing it with the team. Sometimes letting go of unnecessary details can lead to higher productivity. Examples include summarizing reports, avoiding excessive editing, or sending short, concise emails.

◽️2. Eliminate hidden and low‑value tasks Many time‑consuming, low‑value tasks become ingrained habits and are difficult to identify. The article suggests that teams conduct a two‑step review to pinpoint tasks that can be eliminated or simplified. Examples include unnecessary checklists, useless reports, overly complex processes, and redundant meetings. Managers should encourage the team to assume that eliminating a task is reversible—if a mistake is made, the task can be reinstated.

◽️3. Strategically reduce availability Managers who are always available unintentionally increase team dependency on them. By reducing their presence in projects and limiting involvement to key areas, managers can lighten their workload while boosting team independence and accountability. For instance, managers may participate only at the start of a project, in key meetings, or through brief follow‑up sessions. This change not only frees up the manager’s time but also strengthens team confidence.

💭 Conclusion Busy managers who cannot delegate must rethink how work is done. Accepting “good enough” performance, eliminating habitual low‑impact tasks, and strategically reducing availability can free up time, sharpen focus on priorities, and improve both personal and team productivity. These actions not only reduce workload but also enhance employee satisfaction and motivation.