Unlocking People Potential through delegation

By Anna Manyara, Chief Operating Officer, Jubilee Life Insurance

I still remember the first time I truly embraced delegation. It was about trusting my team, stretching their capabilities and seeing them rise to the occasion. That moment reshaped how I view leadership, and to this day, I believe delegation is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use to empower others and drive collective success.

When we delegate effectively, we create space for our teams to grow. Every new responsibility handed over is an opportunity for someone to develop their decision-making skills, refine their problem-solving abilities, and build confidence. People thrive when they are trusted, and that trust fuels their motivation to excel. Over time, they begin to see challenges not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to growth and progress.

Beyond individual growth, delegation lays the foundation for long-term organizational success. By giving team members greater responsibilities, we naturally engage in succession planning (even without knowing it) – identifying and preparing future leaders. A strong team is not built overnight; it is cultivated through intentional mentorship and empowerment. When we allow others to lead, we create a leadership pipeline that ensures continuity, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities with confidence.

Delegation also shifts the team’s mindset from day-to-day execution to big-picture thinking. This strategic awareness strengthens the team thus fostering a culture where innovation and problem-solving become second nature.

For many leaders, the hardest part of delegation is letting go. It is tempting to hold onto tasks because we feel we can do them faster or better. But true leadership is not about doing it all – it’s about enabling others to shine or even make mistakes. The most effective leaders recognize that success is not measured by how much they personally accomplish, but by how well they empower those around them.

So, the next time an opportunity arises to delegate, see it as more than just a way to free up your time. View it as an investment in people, an act of trust, and a step toward building a stronger, more capable team. After all, the true power of leadership lies not in holding on – but in lifting others up.