As a senior leader, your calendar is packed, and the decisions you have to make are many. But not every call should be yours to make. To lead effectively—and sustainably—you need to delegate the right decisions to the right people. Ask these four questions to figure out what to hand off, and to whom.

Who’s closest to the action? If someone on your team has direct, timely insight into the issue at hand—like a frontline engineer or client-facing manager—they’re better positioned to decide. Proximity is a form of expertise. Let them lead.

Have we made this decision before? If the answer is yes, consider making it routine. Set up clear criteria, document the process, and hand it off. This saves time and builds team autonomy.

Could someone else offer a better perspective? Just because you’re senior in the organization doesn’t mean you always see the full picture. If someone else has lived experience or technical knowledge you lack, give them the decision-making power.

Where is work stuck? If a project is stalled because no one feels authorized to move it forward, that’s your cue. Empower someone to take ownership and restore momentum.

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With thanks and acknowledgment to

Geoff Fairhurst

About The Author

Geoffrey Fairhurst is a seasoned financial strategist and the founder of BizGrowth Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in financial leadership and 25 years of corporate expertise. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Science from UNISA, Geoff is an Associate Member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and a registered Business Accountant in Practice with CIBA. Often described as a "Financial Sherpa," Geoff specializes in bridging the gap between technical bookkeeping and high-level strategic growth. He is passionate about helping South African business owners move past "number overwhelm" to achieve clarity and profitability. His approach combines deep financial acumen with a focus on mindset and "Business Activation," ensuring that leaders have the tools and the confidence to make data-driven decisions.

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