The Circuit – June 2025 Newsletter

News From Our CEO

Delegating Tasks Effectively: A Key to Managerial Success

One of the most important shifts a new manager must make is learning to delegate effectively. This is especially true for those who were promoted into leadership roles because they were top performers in their previous positions. While technical expertise and strong individual performance may have earned them the promotion, continuing to do the same work after stepping into a managerial role can quickly become a liability. To succeed as a manager, the focus must shift from personal output to team enablement.

The Critical Shift Every New Manager Must Make

New managers often fall into the trap of holding on to their former responsibilities. This is particularly common when they are promoted from within the same team they now lead. The instinct to maintain control—thinking “I can do it faster” or “they might not do it the way I did”—can be strong, but it’s counterproductive. Delegating their old tasks is not shirking responsibility; it’s a necessary step to free up time for higher-value leadership activities: setting direction, developing people, and removing barriers to team success.

The most effective managers recognize that their role is no longer to be the best individual contributor, but to make their entire team as successful or more successful than they were. This requires a mindset shift from doing to enabling. By remembering the obstacles they faced in their previous role, managers are uniquely positioned to eliminate those same hurdles for their team. Whether it’s clarifying priorities, streamlining processes, or advocating for resources, their new job is to clear the path.

How Effective Managers Empower Their Teams

Poor delegation often stems from a reluctance to let go, unclear expectations, or favoring those who are easiest to work with rather than distributing tasks based on development potential. These pitfalls can lead to burnout for the manager and stagnation for the team. By contrast, thoughtful delegation allows team members to grow in capability and confidence while allowing the manager to focus on strategic leadership.

Ultimately, delegation is not about giving up control; it’s about multiplying impact. By empowering others, creating clarity, and removing obstacles, a manager can transform a strong individual track record into a high-performing team. And that is the true mark of effective leadership.

Until next time,
Patrick Jeitler
Freedom Electronics President & CEO