Wait a full day before checking delegated work

Checking on delegated work too soon is one of the fastest ways to quietly take it back. Waiting a full day gives the person room to actually work through the problem instead of running back to you at the first sign of trouble.

Founders often say they delegated a task, but really they just moved the anxiety about it somewhere new, hovering and asking for updates every hour. That teaches the person you handed it to that you never really let go, so why should they own it fully. I write the check-in day down the moment I hand something off, because if I do not commit to it in writing I always find myself checking sooner.

Try this today: the next time you hand something off, write down the day you will check in, and stick to it even if you feel the pull to peek sooner. Give the silence a chance to work.