Delegation: Is this something only I can do?

Why delegation isn’t about dumping tasks—it’s about building people.

After I start my day by asking, “If I could only get one thing done today, what would it be?”—I usually ask myself one more:

“Is this something only I can do?”

If the answer is no, I stop and consider: Who else could do this? And how could this help them grow?

Delegation isn’t just about getting things off your plate. It’s about creating space—for others to develop, for your team to flourish, and for the mission to move forward.

I’ve seen this play out in business, in church leadership, and at home. When we delegate with care—not just out of convenience—we invite others into meaningful work. We give them the chance to take ownership, solve problems, and feel the satisfaction of doing something that matters.

That’s not dumping tasks. That’s building people.

It’s easy to assume that leadership means carrying the whole load. But sometimes, the most important thing you can do as a leader is not do it all. The goal isn’t to do everything yourself—it’s to make sure the right things are getting done by the right people, with thoughtful care and shared purpose.

A good leader knows when to step in and when to step back. Delegation, when done well, brings out the best in everyone.

I’ve seen this in my own home—when I take the time to guide one of my kids through a task, I’m not just teaching them how to do it. I’m showing them they’re capable. Think of a parent teaching their child how to do the dishes—not to offload a chore, but to give them a sense of responsibility and pride in contributing. Delegation, when done with care, isn’t about getting something done faster—it’s about helping someone else grow in confidence, purpose, and capability.

So as you look at your to-do list today, don’t just ask what matters most. Ask yourself:

“Is this something only I can do?” And if not, maybe it’s time to let someone else grow.

“Start your day by asking what only you can do. Then give someone else a chance to do what they can do—with purpose.”

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