As a leader, you’re wired to want to hold onto things. It’s hard to let go when you’ve invested time and energy into something, whether it’s a person, project or process. If you let go, it can feel like you’re giving up control or admitting failure.
Allison Dunn, the founder of Deliberate Decisions, says great leaders know that letting go isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of growth, clarity and strength. Yet, it’s often so hard to do. If you’ve championed something or someone, you’re personally invested in it. Letting go can feel like defeat but it’s necessary to do sometimes.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some of Dunn’s ideas for shifting from a holding-on mindset to a letting-go mindset.
Shift from failure to evolution. Instead of viewing it as failing, remember that you’re growing. Dunn recommends asking yourself, “If I were starting fresh today, would I build it this way?” If the answer is no, it may be time to release it.
Know that letting go is a strength. According to Dunn, great leaders strategically let go by regularly assessing what’s working and what’s outdated. Then they decisively act.
Don’t aim for perfection. Perfectionism can keep you from delegating. It’s harder to let go if you expect things to be absolutely perfect. Instead, Dunn recommends using the 70% rule: If someone else can do something at least 70% as well as you, delegate it.
Take 5 minutes to review what’s holding you back. Write down 3 things that you’re holding onto that may no longer serve you. For each one, Dunn suggests asking if you’re holding on because of fear, comfort or ego. Also consider what’s the worst that could happen if you let it go.
Adopt a “fail fast, learn faster” mindset. The faster you let go of what’s not working, the quicker you can pivot, Dunn says. Instead of seeing change as a loss, view it as an opportunity to evolve.
Encourage “kill the meeting” and “cut the process” challenges. This empowers your team to let go of unnecessary work. Consider if a meeting or process didn’t exist. Would you create it today? Maybe there’s an outdated task or rule you can eliminate. Dunn recommends rewarding employees who identify things that could be let go in the name of efficiency and innovation.
Holding onto the wrong things keeps you from leading effectively. When you let go of something, try to see it as a strength rather than a surrender. You’re making room for new ideas and fresh solutions.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Allison Dunn is the founder of Idaho’s top-ranked business coaching company, Deliberate Directions.
