If you are overloaded then you need to delegate more!
But what if that is not an option? Here are some ideas based on an article from Harvard Business Review:
1. Discern “Good Enough” from “Perfect”
- Negotiate simplification of some deliverables with your boss
- Identify places where you and your team can do “B+” vs “A+” work
- Use AI to get projects started
2. Eliminate Hidden Low Value Tasks
- Hold a team meeting dedicated to eliminating low value tasks
- Do this a second time – dig deeper, as many tasks have become habits
- Check with key stakeholders if the final product will look much different
3. Strategically Limit Your Availability
- Shorten team meetings and one-on-one meetings
- Take turns setting the agenda and running team meetings
- Limit your involvement in projects to those in which you are indispensable
Overwork is not a good solution when you are overloaded. It leads to low quality work and burnout. Try these strategies instead. Maintain the quality of your work and the quality of your life.
*Ideas for this blog taken from: van Loaf, F & Stark, J. “When You’re Overloaded – and Delegating Isn’t an Option,” Harvard Business Review online, April 4, 2025.
