Systems
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber
Why most small businesses fail — and how systems save them.
Recommended for: I Have Trouble Delegating
All Challenges
Leadership
I Have Trouble Delegating
Assign outcomes clearly, keep accountability, and stop taking work back.
The Challenge
Learn what to delegate, how to transfer responsibility, create accountability, coach progress, and develop leaders.
Why This Happens
- The problem has not been defined clearly enough to solve.
- Daily urgency has replaced a consistent process.
- The business is not measuring the few activities and results that matter most.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- 1.What is happening now?
- 2.How long has this been a problem?
- 3.What have you already tried?
- 4.What result do you want in the next 90 days?
- 5.What number would show improvement?
- 6.Who owns the next action?
What to Do First
1
Write down the current facts without assumptions.
2
Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
3
Schedule the first action and assign clear ownership.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1
Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- 2
Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- 3
Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
- 4
Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- 5
Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
Three Levels of Solutions
Quick Win
Do this today
Delegate one repetitive task today with a short checklist.
Build the System
Next 30 days
Use the Delegation Ladder to assign five responsibilities.
Long-Term Transformation
Where you're headed
Leaders who own outcomes so you can focus on the business.
Lessons From the Pass It On Library
From The E-Myth Revisited
Delegation works when systems exist.
Framework: Technician (does the work) · Manager (creates order) · Entrepreneur (builds the future)
From The Servant
Develop other leaders.
Framework: Leadership Self-Check
Pass It On Action
Pick one task and move it one step up the Delegation Ladder.
Your Action Plans
Sign in to check off steps and save progress to My Growth Plan. Sign in
7-Day Action Plan
- Day 1 — Identify the problem: write down exactly how “I Have Trouble Delegating” shows up in your business.
- Day 2 — Review the numbers: gather the facts, figures, and examples connected to this challenge.
- Day 3 — Find the root cause: answer “What is happening now?”
- Day 4 — Choose one change: Write down the current facts without assumptions.
- Day 5 — Assign responsibility: name ONE owner, a deadline, and the expected result.
- Day 6 — Implement: Choose one measurable result for the next 30 days.
- Day 7 — Review what happened: what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do next week.
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1 — Diagnose
- Answer: What is happening now?
- Answer: How long has this been a problem?
- Answer: What have you already tried?
- Complete the 7-Day Action Plan.
Week 2 — Build
- Use the Delegation Ladder to assign five responsibilities.
- Identify the root cause instead of treating only the symptom.
- Choose the smallest practical action that can create evidence.
- Use the related tool or worksheet to organize the work.
Week 3 — Implement
- Review progress every week and adjust from real results.
- Share what worked so another owner can learn from it.
- Train the people involved and assign owners.
Week 4 — Measure & Improve
- Compare results to where you started.
- Write one lesson learned.
- Adjust the process.
- Share what you learned with someone in the fellowship.
Biblical Principles
Wisdom for the journey — encouraging stewardship, integrity, and service, never a promise of guaranteed success.
#23 · Leadership
Delegate wisely
Exodus 18:17–23
#24 · Leadership
Choose capable and trustworthy leaders
Exodus 18:21
#25 · Leadership
Develop other leaders
2 Timothy 2:2
Related Challenges
Recommended Books
Approved Bookshelf resources related to this challenge.
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Challenge → Diagnose → Prioritize → Learn → Take Action → Measure → Improve → Help Someone Else
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