The Art of Delegation

I've always been something of an independent spirit at heart. Walk to the beat of my own tabla drum, sort of character. I've enjoyed my time alone as just plain ol' Adam (I'd say there was a "wilderness period" lasting around six years in my mid to late 20s where I had the luxury to truly get to know the real me). It informs who I am today. Wholly.

But now I find myself at the helm of a fascinating film project, the culmination of nearly five years of my life. Five enjoyable and sometimes hellish but with frequent moments of rapturous bliss of:

** non-starts (don't ask!)
** of toil
** of spending a large percentage of my personal savings
** of lost friends, unrequited relationships, and would-be lovers
** of suffering the occasional unintentional alienation
** and of forgoing of my second favourite pastime, the written word (i.e. books)

all because of something I've long believed in with all of my soul. The sort of conviction which says, this capability breathes in your soul, bro. Every last ounce of it...

I've always been part of someone else's dream. I'm referring to the workplace. Many times I've been surrounded by the best young and experienced brains a city can find, working alongside other people with fascinating ideas, and learning from them in the boilerroom.

But now I'm the one looking down, and let me tell you, it's a humbling experience indeed.

If you've never been "the boss" of something before, rest assured it's not a job for the faint of heart. You'd typically think that running the show is easier -- in that you can delegate a wealth of the functional tasks, and concentrate on certain more critical strategic decision-making. Ah, if only it were that simple.

Delegating responsibilities isn't a panacea. It's not a silver bullet approach to anything. In fact, delegating is one of the most vital aspects of being a leader. Do so incorrectly, and you're at your own peril.

It's taken some time to get to know who on this merry crew of mine is best at what they do. Errors are made now 'n again, but we've locked onto a formula, and we're now humming along like a pack of bees, clocking marks, hitting milestones.

I've made it my prime directive to surround myself with people of the highest calibre. People who are do-ers like me, with solid experience at running their own shows (read: businesses) if given ample rein to do so -- instead of hanging you with said rein!

I'm pleased to say if I were to close my eyes and let go of the tricycle handlebars for a bit, I wouldn't go smashing into a fence or something. This ship is now capably co-piloted by some of the savviest ladies and gentleman. Godsends all.

Besides -- even if I could -- I don't think I'd want to do everything alone. It's been fun working alongside these others, people like-minded who share the same passion for getting the work done as I do. It just so happens this particular 'project' happens to be a film. So not only are we running a business, we're making art! Lucky aren't we, ay?

::: I sure think we are. :::

I won't list their names just yet, because we're not quite ready to announce our existence to the world. But we will be. Soon.

Just the same, I'm honoured to be going down this dusty island road with my capable colleagues. I'm now in their debt.

That kinda reminds me. I think all leaders need to be in their supporters' debt.

It's healthy. It makes leaders the best they can be.

Ask me. I know.