Delegating: The Hidden Leadership Superpower

As a SMACNA Chapter Executive, you are keenly aware of the needs of the role. You are counted on as the point person for the membership on several critical matters, including labor relations, event planning, training, and many other responsibilities. Some of you are a one-person shop, others have a talented and well-trained staff at your disposal to help you carry out some of the functions that are a part of the role.

While having this support network is crucial, how you leverage it is just as, or perhaps more important than, having it in the first place. Delegation is one of the most talked-about aspects of successful leadership. In fact, in a recent article, MIT Sloan listed it as perhaps the second most important trait to have as a leader, stating that “Trust in people is nothing new to conversations on effective delegation; however, trust in organizational processes is an equally important but underappreciated consideration in delegation decisions.”

Entrepreneur magazine recently said that delegating is the best way to maximize your impact. Although the article focused on business, its advice also fits association management. One key point was to start with small tasks and build your team from there, which helps create a successful environment. The main idea is simple: when you empower your team, you help them grow their skills and become better at handling any challenges your chapter may face.

That’s the dual benefit of embracing a leadership approach that makes delegation a top priority. You are developing your team of professionals and making a personal investment in their professional direction. This is incredibly important, considering that in your role, you’re wearing a ton of hats.

By trusting your group to handle different aspects of chapter operations, you can position yourself to think more strategically and long-term, rather than be bogged down by the day-to-day minutiae that comes with running a SMACNA chapter. Your members brought you on to direct the course of the chapter and positively impact the industry. By placing trust in those around you, you can be better positioned to support your members in the way that they are confident you can.