Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth

Already feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? The start of a new year can often feel like a mountain of tasks piling up, especially after the holiday season. Instead of a break, did it feel like an opportunity for more work? 

You’re not alone in feeling this way as we step into 2025.

Perhaps the key to alleviating this stress lies in delegation. This word often carries a negative connotation for leaders, who may see it as a weakness or laziness. But what if we reframe delegation as an act of compassion—for ourselves and our teams?

Delegation as Compassion

According to Gallup, current research indicates that employee engagement within the workplace is still at a historic low as we begin the new year.* For most, our workspaces still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms and this shift has given rise to a new reality where employees increasingly report feelings of disconnection and disengagement. One reason for this might be that leaders are overwhelmed, shouldering heavier workloads as teams adapt to ongoing changes and turnover.

Now is the time for a fresh approach. Learning to delegate with compassion could be the key to revitalizing your team and fostering a more engaged workplace. 

Here are some new ways to view delegation as compassion:

Delegation creates space and time for personal well-being. When the boss is overworked, everyone suffers. Your well-being sets the tone for the entire team. Delegation is an act of self-compassion and a powerful way of modeling wellness for everyone you lead.

Delegation fosters growth. Fear of losing control, and/or perfectionism, can make delegation challenging. But consider this: what if your team members could grow to absolutely excel at tasks you’ve been holding onto? By handing off tasks, we empower our team members to develop new skills, take ownership, and evolve in their roles. 

Delegation is a sign of respect. When you’re a leader, the way you spend your time and energy is about more than you alone; it affects your team(s) and the entire organization. When you delegate effectively, you foster an environment where the entire system can get unstuck and truly thrive — together. This is eminently respectful and deeply wise – even if it’s hard. 

Delegation done effectively requires courage and clarity. It’s compassionate to set boundaries that communicate clearly what is needed and expected. Why? Because confusion and overstressed leadership cause suffering in many places. Striking a balance is crucial, however; you don’t want to be perceived as a pushover or a tyrant.

When you delegate, you aren’t just offloading tasks; you’re demonstrating trust in your team’s abilities. This fosters an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to take the lead.

Why Are You Hesitating to Delegate?

It’s important to explore underlying reasons why you may hesitate to delegate. 

Are you avoiding certain tasks? 

Are you worried about your team’s capabilities? 

Or is it guilt?** 

Not delegating can signal a lack of trust in your team, which may hinder their confidence, performance, and productivity. Also, research shows that leaders who take on too much face increased health issues.*** 

By sharing responsibilities, you not only safeguard your well-being but also help create a culture of trust and collaboration.

Your Path to Better Leadership

Leadership can be taxing, testing your energy and confidence. But remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing delegation, you are investing in your well-being and your team’s growth.

As we move forward, let’s make 2025 a year of mindful, compassionate leadership. Embrace delegation and watch your team—and yourself—thrive!

References: 

* Wigert, B., & Pendell, R. (2024, December 20). 7 workplace challenges for 2025. Gallup.comhttps://www.gallup.com/workplace/654329/workplace-challenges-2025.aspx 

**Smith, D. D. (2022, September 23). Stop feeling guilty about delegating. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/09/stop-feeling-guilty-about-delegating

***Managing your well-being as a leader. Rutgers University Human Resources Home. (n.d.). https://uhr.rutgers.edu/future-of-work/managing-your-well-being-leader 

About Andrea

Andrea Hollingsworth, Ph.D., is an acclaimed keynote speaker, bestselling and award winning author, and trusted consultant who’s spent years studying the transformative power of compassion. Since 2008, she has been speaking and writing about the science and spirituality of human emotions and relationships. Her articles have been published more than a dozen times in peer-reviewed journals, and she has taught at prestigious institutions like Princeton, Boston University, and Loyola University Chicago. In addition, Dr. Andrea has delivered talks to audiences at some of the top-ranked universities in the world—including Cambridge University in England and Heidelberg University in Germany.

Dr. Andrea spends most of her time inspiring leaders and teams to use The Compassion Advantage™ to build supercharged organizations through cultures of care—especially in times of challenge and change. She lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota where she cheers hard at her son’s soccer games and relishes every opportunity to visit the north shore of Lake Superior.