Does Telling People What to Do Make You a Tyrant? Here’s “MY” Truth About Delegation and Leadership
Let’s get one thing straight: telling people what to do doesn’t make you a tyrant. How you do it determines whether you’re a leader or a dictator. Leadership isn’t about barking orders or micromanaging every detail—it’s about empowering others to step into their potential while driving results that matter. But let’s face it: delegation can feel awkward, even uncomfortable. You over explain as though you are a martyr. You get frustrated and almost sound like a dictator. You worry about coming across as bossy or demanding and at the same time you ask yourself WTF - what are they not getting???? So, you hesitate, your nerves get in a twist and/or worse, you take everything on yourself. Been there and done it all so I have some thoughts to share: 1. Delegation isn’t about being bossy—it’s about being strategic. It’s about building trust, giving clarity, and enabling your team to win. 2. Instead of “Do this,” try “Here’s why this matters to our success and why you’re the right person to make it happen.” People need to know why before they’ll care about the what. 3. Listen to feedback, be open to suggestions, and give the person ownership of the task. 4. Be clear about the result you want, the timeline, and the boundaries. Think of it as giving someone the map, not micromanaging every step. 5. Regular check-ins are leadership. Hovering is control. Trust the people you’ve chosen, but stay accessible for support. Delegation isn’t about control; it’s about collaboration. It’s the opposite of tyranny—it’s trust in action. So, no, telling people what to do doesn’t make you a tyrant. It makes you a leader—when done with respect, clarity, and purpose.