6 Steps to Master the "Art of Delegating"

When Dolly, the cloned sheep, made her entrance in the world, I remember thinking, “If I could clone myself I could…”

But the truth is that I don’t know that I would have trusted Cloned Christine to take over some areas of my life. I didn’t trust anyone to do it as well as me.

As a Squad Leader in a Military Police Platoon, I thought I knew how to delegate as it is an integral part of how the Army works. I told the Team Leaders and they told the Privates what to do - except when it came to planning the Company Picnic or the Family Day activities. I just knew that “nobody” would take the time or care the way I would.

There were very capable people ready to help. I was concerned that the detail that I would bring to a project would not be brought by someone else and this stopped me from delegating even the smallest task.

My consequence for not mastering the “Art of Delegating” was a migraine headache the day of event. Something had to change and these are the steps I developed to help overcome my own fear of delegating:

1.) Make a list.
Although this seems like a no brainer, for some people it needs to be reiterated. I use a Mind Map because linear thinking doesn’t help in multiple projects scenarios. Use our Task Mind Mapping tool to get started.

2.) Be honest with yourself.
There are only so many hours in a day and there are only so many of those hours that you can dedicate to tasks. Once you have listed all of the tasks on the Task Mind Map, you need to determine which tasks is Priority and have to be accomplished by you this week, which can be done Later next week and which ones you can Delegate.

If you have gone through your list and have not found a task to delegate go back through this step and start with BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. Take a deep breath and trust the process.

3.) Define your Expectations.
Do you need the task done at by a specific date? If purchases are to be made, do you have a specific brand or store that you prefer? As much as I hope that someone can read my mind to totally get what I want, the fact is that they can’t. Defining your expectation for the task will make it clear to both you and the Delegatee of what exactly you want accomplished.

4.) Determine who you will Delegate your tasks to.
The Concierge is a great choice to delegate tasks simply because you can trust that they will get done when you want them done.

5.) Give the Delegatee the list of tasks.

6.) Step Back.
Whether you give your task to CZ Concierge Services or to your spouse, the truth is that no one will do something the exact same way you would have. You have determined that the Delegatee is someone you trust and now has your expectations. If the end result is the same as you wanted it, then it was a good delegation!

We want to hear about your success at mastering the “Art of Delegation”. Be sure to leave a comment below.

Valentine's Day 2014

If you are someone that hyperventilates at the thought of Valentines Day, we need to talk.

Whatever the reason for your anxiety, we have answers to get you through the day.

Did you ever see the episode of Friends where Monica, Rachel and Phoebe decide that they are tired of the expectations of Valentines Day and burn items that represent former loves?  In their case, their rescue came in the form of hunky firemen saving the apartment from being burned down. 

If that is not the type of rescue you are looking for may I offer some other suggestions?

Whether you want to get together with other single friends to enjoy a night out or take your sweetie out for a night they won’t forget, there are plenty of options still available that will save you from “Romantic Burnout”.

Valentine's Day is on a Friday this year and there is still time to plan a weekend get-a-way.  One of my favorite get-a-way is the YMCA Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri.  Located only two hours away from St. Louis, your romantic get-a-way will be one to be remembered.  With planned activities to choose or camp activities to plan around, it is guaranteed that you and your sweetie will have fun and connect in new fun ways.  RECOMMENDATION: Bring your own bottles of wine for Saturday night’s dinner and dancing as Trout Lodge does not sell alcohol.

If you want to stay closer to home, check out Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden.  They bring the spirit of the vineyards to the heart of downtown.  The wine garden is gorgeous with water features and so much to adore that you will want to come back for the ambiance, great food and excellent selections of wines.  Located on Washington Avenue in St. Louis City, they truly are a part of the St. Louis Revival!  This is a perfect spot for a couple or a large group of friends.

A great splurge on the romantic side is a movie with Marquee Seating.  You have to be 21 or older to enjoy this luxury as the waitresses will serve you adult beverages of you choice.  Sitting in a recliner watching a good movie while people serve you is what the fab life is all about.  There are several theaters in the Metro area that offer this 5 star treatment: Wehrenberg Theatres, AMC and B&B Wildwood 10.  Call ahead to be sure that your movie is being shown in that theater.

Don't forget the kiddos like special treatment, too. Have a special cupcake delivery made to the school during lunch.  

No matter what you do this Valentine's Day, I hope that it is fun and abundant.

Is your Resolution on your Calendar?

If you are one of the 45% of Americans who have made a New Year’s Resolution, let me ask you a question: is your resolution on your calendar?  Whether your resolution is to eat healthy, be a better parent (sister, daughter, community activist), to grow your business or be a better boss, make it a part of your to-do list to schedule it on your calendar.

Just as every business meeting or children’s activity gets inscribed on your calendar, so should the goals you set for yourself.  How else will you remember or - more importantly- find the time to work on your goals?

Let’s say we have resolved to eat healthy.  Buy vegetables and lean meat, cook and VIOLA you are eating healthy.  And then the week comes and you were really busy that you weren’t able to buy groceries and what would you make tonight anyway and ohhhh look, there’s the McDonald’s (Long John Silvers, Hunan Wok).  From there you slide into, the “well it’s just this week”, which leads to “let me get through the month” and the next thing you know it is the New Year and you are resolving to do better - AGAIN.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein

This year, plan out the success of your resolution!  Take an hour and start blocking the time you will need to make your resolution a reality.  Look at your calendar and decide where you can block time for going to the gym, volunteering or whatever task you need to do.  Don’t schedule anything else during that time.  If someone wants a meeting at that time, explain that you are already committed and that they will need to choose another time to meet.  Stay firm; you wouldn’t schedule two meetings at the same time, would you?

Out-source the rest.  No one said that YOU have to grocery shop in order to eat healthy.  Make a list, call CZ Concierge Services and have them deliver your items to the work place, home or even the soccer field.

It takes 21 days to create a new habit so put those days on your calendar TODAY!