Why Leaders Fail to Delegate (and How It Kills Team Morale)

What does the power of delegation mean to you?

Recently, I met with a lead pastor who was returning from an extended sabbatical. Before leaving, he had divided his responsibilities between three capable team members. In his absence, these three had exceeded expectations—performing at a high level, teaching the congregation, leading the staff, and engaging the elders. 

The returning pastor sought my coaching as he reintegrated himself back into the church. But against my advice, he merely thanked the three staff members who had led so well and resumed all of his previous responsibilities. Within six months, those leaders had left his staff. And who could blame them? 

The Power of Delegation

Delegation is a good thing. It is the kryptonite to exhaustion, staff apathy, mission confusion and operational apprehension. It reduces burnout, strengthens leadership abilities, and allows a focus on higher-value activities. 

When leaders allow others to play a role and tackle meaningful tasks, they boost personal effectiveness. They cultivate a team that is more deeply engaged, adaptable, confident and decidedly capable. They give their team ownership.

Delegation also is perhaps the most effective mentorship tool, because it creates pathways for team growth while providing a foundation for increased trust. It is a mindset that says, “I trust you enough to let you figure this out.” 

If all of this is true—and it is—then why do so many leaders refuse to delegate? It turns out that delegation is far more than a time-management practice—it is a reflection of one’s heart and soul. When it’s not happening, it’s a signpost commonly pointing to something deeper. Too many leaders fail to delegate because they fear losing control. They don’t trust others because of deeply embedded insecurities. They are threatened by the prospect of others doing better. 

Empower Your Team.

When talking to pastors about delegation, I commonly reference Exodus 18:17–18 where Moses receives some desperately needed direction from his father-in-law Jethro. After observing Moses sitting alone, judging the people from morning until night, Jethro intervenes with some sage advice: “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.”