Learn to delegate

The New Testament church grew so fast that the apostles became overwhelmed with the challenge of administering it. When the Hellenistic [Greek] Jews complained against the native Hebrews because their widows were overlooked in the daily food distribution, a solution was found: ‘The twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables. Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”’ Acts 6:2–4 NASB) The result? ‘The Word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem.’ (Acts 6:7 NASB)

You can improve the quality of your life by learning to delegate. Here is how you do it:

(1) Start with a task you currently perform that could be handed over to another.

(2) Identify a person with the capability (not just the willingness) to do it.

(3) Take time to write the steps and go over them with the person.

(4) Describe why the task is essential and its importance in the whole scheme of things.

(5) If the task is time-sensitive, then set definite dates.

(6) State your expectations.

(7) Evaluate the person’s progress on a recurring basis until you’re assured they can handle the job without your involvement. Assist them for a while and check in with them to make sure they’re doing the job right. The saying: ‘You don’t get what you expect; you get what you inspect’ is true.