If you have too much to do, sharing work helps. Giving work to others is called delegating. Good leaders ask for help in a kind way. They do not boss people or watch every little thing (that is called micromanaging). Micromanaging makes people sad and angry.
Below are 5 simple ways to share work so your friends or teammates feel proud to help.
1. Ask questions, don’t give orders
Why: People like choosing. Questions feel fair. Orders feel bossy.
Do this:
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Ask: “Could you help with this? How would you do it?”
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Say: “What do you think about trying it this way?”
Don’t say: “Do this now!”
Try saying instead: “Would you try this and tell me how it goes?”
Example:
Instead of “Clean the room now,” say “Can you help clean the room? Which part should we do first?”
2. Show what’s in it for them (WIIFM)
Why: People help more when they know why it’s good for them.
Do this:
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Tell the benefit: “If you do this, you’ll learn a new skill,” or “You’ll look great in front of the teacher.”
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Make it matter to them, not just to you.
Example:
Instead of “Clean the stockroom,” say “If you clean it, we’ll find things faster and you’ll get credit for helping.”
3. Give them a good name
Why: People try to match the good name you give them.
Do this:
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Say: “You’re a careful helper,” or “I know you’re good at this.”
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Treat them like they are already great at the task.
Example:
“Jess, you’re so organized — can you lead the list for this project?”
4. Talk about your own mistakes first
Why: People listen better if you admit you’re not perfect.
Do this:
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Start with praise. Then tell a small story of when you made the same mistake.
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Then give the help or suggestion.
Example:
“I loved how you tried that. When I first did it, I forgot step two and it went wrong. Maybe we can try doing step two together.”
5. Let them save face (fix things privately)
Why: If you tell someone off in front of others, they feel bad and stop trying.
Do this:
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If something goes wrong, talk to them quietly.
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Say how to fix it, and say you believe they can do it.
Example:
“Hey, can we talk for a minute? I saw a small mistake. Want me to help you fix it?”