September 11, 2024

As Physicians and mothers, we're often caught in a cycle of doing everything ourselves. We're used to being efficient, taking charge, and getting things done quickly. But when it comes to building a support system - whether it's hiring a nanny, bringing on an au pair, or delegating tasks to a virtual assistant - this do-it-yourself mentality can actually hold us back.

The Onboarding Dilemma

Recently, I found myself in a familiar situation. I was onboarding a new virtual assistant, and I caught myself about to fall into a common trap: doing the task myself because it would be quicker than teaching someone else.

As I was about to schedule a newsletter that my VA had drafted (with some heavy editing on my part), I realized I was missing a crucial opportunity. Yes, I could do it faster this time. But what about next time? And the time after that?

The Long-Term View

This moment crystallized an important lesson that applies not just to business tasks, but to all areas of our lives where we seek support:

Proper onboarding takes time, but it's an investment in your future freedom.

Here's why thorough onboarding matters:

1. It Sets Clear Expectations When you take the time to properly train someone, you're clearly communicating your expectations. This reduces misunderstandings and frustrations down the line.

2. It Empowers Your Support System By providing comprehensive training, you're giving your support person the tools they need to succeed. This builds their confidence and competence.

3. It Allows for True Delegation When you know someone has been well-trained, you can truly let go of a task. It's not just out of your hands - it's out of your mental space.

4. It Improves Long-Term Outcomes The time you invest in training now will pay dividends in the future. You're setting the stage for smoother operations and less need for micromanagement.

5. It Creates a Positive Working Relationship Taking the time to properly onboard someone shows that you value their role and are invested in their success. This can lead to greater loyalty and job satisfaction.

Applying This to Your Life

Whether you're hiring childcare help, bringing on a new team member at work, or delegating household tasks, consider how you can improve your onboarding process:

• Create detailed instructions or manuals

• Record video tutorials for complex tasks

• Schedule regular check-ins during the initial period

• Be open to questions and provide supportive feedback

• Resist the urge to take over when it would be "quicker" to do it yourself

Remember, the goal isn't just to get tasks done - it's to create a sustainable support system that allows you to focus on what truly matters.

A Challenge for You

As you go through your week, pay attention to moments where you're tempted to do something yourself rather than teach someone else. Ask yourself:

• Is this a task I want to be responsible for long-term?

• Would investing time in training now free up my time and mental energy later?

• How can I support this person in learning this task thoroughly?

By shifting our mindset from short-term efficiency to long-term effectiveness, we can build stronger support systems and create more space in our lives for what truly matters.

Remember, doc, you don't have to do it all yourself. With the right approach to onboarding and delegation, you can build a team - at home and at work - that truly supports you in living your best life.

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