3 min read
In the fast-paced world of management, the notion of being lazy may seem counterintuitive. However, what if I told you that being lazy could actually be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential? As a seasoned manager, I’ve learned that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your team is to step back and let them take the lead.
Instead of micromanaging every aspect of a project, consider taking a more hands-off approach. When faced with a new task or challenge, resist the urge to dictate the entire process to your team. Instead, simply pose the question: “How would you approach this problem?”
By empowering your team to think for themselves and come up with their own solutions, you not only foster a sense of ownership and autonomy but also encourage proactive thinking. Rather than waiting for instructions, team members learn to take initiative and tackle challenges head-on.
Of course, being lazy doesn’t mean being absent or disengaged. It means knowing when to step in and provide guidance or feedback. As a manager, your role shifts from being a taskmaster to a mentor and coach. Offer support where needed, and gently steer your team in the right direction if they veer off course.
Instead of being lazy, we’ve embraced a new mindset: Strategic Delegation.
Strategic Delegation is not about being lazy or disengaged; it’s about being deliberate, intentional, and strategic in how tasks and responsibilities are assigned within the team. It’s a shift in perspective that emphasizes trust, autonomy, and empowerment.
At Apxt, we recognized that the term “lazy managing” carried negative connotations and didn’t accurately reflect our approach to leadership. We wanted a name that better captured the essence of our management philosophy—one that highlights the strategic decision-making behind delegation and the positive outcomes it brings.
By reframing it as Strategic Delegation, we emphasize the intentional nature of our management style. It’s about strategically entrusting team members with responsibilities, empowering them to take ownership of their work, and fostering a culture of autonomy and accountability.
Here’s how it works: Instead of dictating tasks and telling team members what to do, we engage them in the decision-making process. When a new project arises, we start by asking our team members how they would approach the problem. This not only encourages proactive thinking but also empowers them to take the lead in finding solutions.
Our role as managers is to guide and support our team members along the way. We provide feedback, offer insights, and help course-correct when needed. But ultimately, we trust our team to execute their tasks and achieve their goals autonomously.
The beauty of this approach is that it allows your team members to grow and develop their skills organically. By encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving, you empower individuals to take ownership of their work and become more self-reliant.
So the next time you’re tempted to dive in and take control, remember the power of being lazy and practising strategic delegating. Trust in your team’s abilities, and give them the space they need to shine. Who knows? You might just be surprised by the innovative solutions they come up with when given the chance to spread their wings.
Stay Curious, Stay Innovative.
Ting Ting Zhao
Ting Ting Zhao is a Digital Editor at Apxt. Passionate explorer of the intersection between creativity and technology. With an insatiable curiosity, I decode the complex tapestry of design, brand communication, and emerging technologies. As a seasoned critic and strategist, I’m on a mission to demystify the strategic potential of design in the digital age. Join me as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape, unraveling possibilities, and shaping brands that thrive in the dynamic world of innovation
