Latest news with #strategicgrowth
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Delegation is the Only Way to Scale. But Most CEOs Do It Wrong
One of the biggest barriers to scaling a business is the leader's inability to let go. Founders often become the bottleneck, unable to focus on strategic growth. The solution? Mastering the art of delegation. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Let's be clear: delegation is not optional if you want to grow your company. It's the only way to move from being the operator to becoming the true leader your team needs. The problem is that most leaders don't actually know how to delegate. They either hand over tasks without context or hover so closely that their team can't breathe. True delegation requires structure and clarity: Context: Before anything else, your team must understand why this task matters. What's the bigger picture? How does it connect to the strategy? Without this, they're just checking boxes. this task matters. What's the bigger picture? How does it connect to the strategy? Without this, they're just checking boxes. Priority/KPI: Be specific. What does success look like? Which numbers will we use to measure it? What's the timeline? Meeting cadence: Delegation without follow-up is abdication. Set a rhythm to review progress and coach your team — weekly, biweekly or monthly. If you want people to own their responsibilities, you need to give them direction and frameworks, not just tasks. That's how you develop a team of thinkers, not just doers. The 4 degrees of delegation According to the Value Builder System, the key to effective delegation is recognizing that it's not binary — it's not simply "delegate or don't." Instead, there are four levels of delegation, each offering different degrees of autonomy and control. Related: Why Emotional Branding is Out and Functional Loyalty Is In 1. Follow my lead This is the most basic form of delegation. You provide your team members with a clear Standard Operating Procedure and ask them to follow it step by step. There is no room for improvisation; the task is repeatable and requires no decision-making. This level is ideal for junior team members or routine tasks like entering data into your CRM. It ensures consistency and frees you from micro-managing simple processes. 2. Research and report At this level, you don't have a clear solution, so ask your employees to explore the options. Their job is to analyze and return with a shortlist of intelligent recommendations — but you retain the final decision. Use this when you face a challenge with multiple solutions, such as selecting a new software tool or vendor. You're leveraging your team's thinking but still guiding the final outcome. Related: Learn How to Delegate Now — or Risk Losing Your Business 3. Do it and report Here, you trust the team member to make the decision, but ask them to keep you informed. This is useful when you want to give your team autonomy but also ensure that you're aware of progress or potential risks. For example, you may assign the task of managing receivables to someone and ask them to update you weekly. You're not dictating every move, but you stay close enough to guide if needed. 4. Do it This is full empowerment. You trust your team members to handle the task independently from start to finish, without reporting back unless there's a major issue. You've given them clear goals, a budget and complete authority. This is ideal when the risk is low or when your team member is far more knowledgeable about the task than you are. For instance, you might fully delegate the selection of a carpet cleaning vendor or allow a customer service rep to resolve client complaints within a set budget. Related: You Can't Do Everything. So Do the Best With What You Have. The missing piece in most delegation Delegation without boundaries can lead to confusion or costly mistakes. That's why every degree of delegation should come with a budget, either in money or time. Take the Ritz-Carlton, for example. Every employee is empowered to solve customer problems on the spot with a $2,000 discretionary budget. Why? Because they understand the lifetime value of a happy guest far exceeds the cost of a quick fix. You can apply the same principle. If you're asking a team member to research options for improving event logistics, set a 10-hour time budget. This avoids either an overly superficial or excessively exhaustive approach and helps them prioritize appropriately. What to do when team members get stuck Even with clear delegation and budgets, team members can hit roadblocks. In those moments, they often fall back into the habit of asking: "What should I do?" The goal is not to take the problem back — it's to train your team to think like owners. Encourage them to use "yes-able questions." That means presenting you with a recommendation you can approve or reject quickly. Instead of dumping the issue on your lap, they might say: "Mr. Jones hasn't paid his invoice. I considered three options: write off the debt, send it to collections, or offer a payment plan. I recommend offering the payment plan in three installments. Are you okay with that?" This simple change keeps you from being the bottleneck and develops your team's decision-making skills. The day I delegated my inbox For years, I handled every email myself. After back-to-back consulting sessions, I'd get home and face hundreds of unread messages. I was overwhelmed. So I made a decision that changed everything: I gave my assistant full access to my inbox. Not partial access. Not just scheduling emails. I handed over six email accounts, gave her the green light to answer on my behalf and walked away. People told me I was crazy. "How can someone else answer your emails?" they said. But here's the truth: it was crazier to go two weeks without replying to a client than to have someone I trust to handle it. In 15 years, she's probably made 10 serious mistakes—but she's sent over 30,000 solid responses. The cost of holding on was far greater than the cost of letting go. That day, my company started growing without me. Delegation as a strategy for freedom Delegation is more than a time management tactic; it's a growth strategy. Every time you delegate with clarity and intent, you build a business that depends on systems, not superheroes. That's how you shift from being your company's engine to its guide. The ultimate test? Take a two-week vacation without checking in. If your business can thrive in your absence, you've successfully delegated. If not, you know where to focus your efforts next. Many entrepreneurs wear their business like a badge of honor. But the real mark of success is freedom — freedom to choose, to think, and to grow. To achieve that, start by identifying which tasks you're clinging to and the degree of delegation each requires. Clarify your expectations, set time or financial limits, provide context and coach your team to own their outcomes. When you do, you'll not only build a more valuable business, you'll regain the space to lead it.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
STB CF finances Modella's purchase of WH Smith's UK high street business
Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF) has extended a £50m asset-based lending facility for Modella Capital's acquisition of WH Smith's UK High Street operations. The funds will support the business's working capital needs as it embarks on a new strategic phase under Modella Capital, which includes rebranding its 464 high street stores as 'TG Jones'. Founded in 1792, WH Smith will continue operating its travel shops in railway stations, airports, and hospitals, as well as its international businesses, under its existing brand. The newly branded TG Jones high street operation aims to refine its retail offering, improve efficiency, and seek growth opportunities with support from Modella Capital and its financial partners. This deal reflects increased retail merger and acquisition activity for STB CF, which previously aided Modella Capital in acquiring Hobbycraft. In January 2024, the bank also provided financing to Ann Summers for its online growth. STB CF's focus on private equity partnerships is evident, with ten deals completed across eight sponsors last year, compared to six the year before. STB CF regional sales director Tony Young said: 'Having worked with Modella Capital previously, we're proud to once again support the team on this high-profile transaction. 'This deal demonstrates the strength of asset-based lending in enabling strategic private equity acquisitions and providing ongoing operational support, and it's great to continue adding to our portfolio of retail deals. 'We look forward to continuing our partnership with Modella Capital and the management team as they continue to drive the business forward under the TG Jones brand.' "STB CF finances Modella's purchase of WH Smith's UK high street business" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Unique Properties appoints Armin Jalili as Chief Executive Officer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Unique Properties, one of Dubai's leading award-winning real estate agencies, is proud to announce the appointment of Armin Jalili as its new Chief Executive Officer. With nearly two decades of proven leadership and hands-on experience in the industry, Armin steps into the role at a pivotal moment in the company's evolution, as it charts a course toward strategic growth and global expansion. Armin began his journey with Unique Properties in 2008 as a Senior Property Consultant. His sharp business acumen, forward-thinking approach, and consistent drive for excellence have propelled him through the organisation, culminating in his most recent role as partner. He now takes over from Arash Jalili, who spent the last 17 years building and shaping Unique Properties into a market leader. As CEO, Armin is poised to honour this legacy while steering the company into an ambitious new chapter. 'It's an incredible honour to lead a company I've been part of since the very beginning,' said Armin Jalili, CEO of Unique Properties. 'We've built something truly special at Unique Properties, grounded in trust, performance, and people. As we expand further, my goal is to stay true to our values while driving innovation, nurturing talent, and ensuring our clients continue to receive world-class service.' Under Armin's leadership, Unique Properties will continue to reinforce its role as a market leader in Dubai's fast-moving real estate sector. Armin brings with him a profound understanding of both regional dynamics and international investment strategy, along with an impressive track record of advising high-net-worth individuals and foreign investors. He has been instrumental in creating high-achieving sales teams across international markets, driving digital transformation, and forming the company's culture. Additionally, he has played a key role in leading the agency through some of its most prosperous years, establishing its position as one of the top-performing agencies among major developers in Dubai. Beyond business, Armin is also known for his philanthropic contributions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including support for underprivileged children and ongoing projects such as the construction of an orphanage and school. He prioritises people in his leadership style, and part of his vision is to create an environment where each agent and team member feels inspired, empowered, and supported. Armin's appointment demonstrates Unique Properties' dedication to both tradition and progressive change as it grows its presence. About Unique Properties Since 2008, Unique Properties has proudly established itself as a leading real estate agency in Dubai, earning multiple prestigious awards and boasting over 17 years of industry experience. The agency's expertise lies in uncovering the finest investment opportunities in the market. As trusted partners of renowned developers such as Emaar, Nakheel, Dubai Holding, Omniyat, H&H Development, Damac, and Majid Al Futtaim, Unique Properties is committed to transforming the real estate sector by crafting sophisticated spaces that set new benchmarks with each step. These partnerships ensure access to the best properties and investment options that Dubai has to offer. In its pursuit of excellence, Unique Properties has recently relocated to a larger, more modern space, reflecting its growth and dedication to providing superior services. The agency specialises in primary and secondary market transactions, with a dominant presence in the ultra-luxury segment. Having set multiple records, including the highest price per square foot for a Jumeirah Bay Island plot, it is now finalizing another landmark deal, further cementing its dominance in Dubai's ultra-luxury market. Offering a comprehensive suite of services, including interior design, property management, PRO and conveyancing, holiday homes, and investment advisory, Unique Properties is committed to excellence, providing clients with tailored real estate solutions and exclusive access to high-value opportunities in Dubai's dynamic property market. Unique Properties continues to redefine the standards of real estate, creating exceptional living and investment opportunities that stand the test of time. The journey to finding the perfect property starts with Unique Properties, where innovation, quality, and client satisfaction are at the heart of everything they do. Middle East Media Enquiries should be directed to AllDetails: Diane D'costa, Senior PR Account Manager Email:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NaturVet appoints Erik Thomas as Chief Operations Officer
Veteran leader with deep operational expertise to enhance efficiency and support strategic growth for the leading pet supplement brand TEMECULA, Calif., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NaturVet, a trusted pioneer in the pet health and wellness industry for over 30 years, proudly announces the addition of Erik Thomas as Chief Operations Officer (COO). With more than 25 years of experience leading organizations in the manufacturing, aerospace and industrial sectors, Thomas brings a strong background in driving operational excellence, building dynamic teams and guiding businesses through growth and transformation. "Erik's focus on cultivating high-performing cultures and optimizing processes aligns perfectly with NaturVet's ambitions as we enter our next chapter. His leadership and operational acumen make him a valuable addition to our executive team," said Geoff Granger, CEO, NaturVet. Thomas began his career as a Senior Project Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace Inc. before founding Consolidated Turbine Support Inc. in 2002. Under his leadership, the company grew to four locations across the U.S. and Europe, culminating in a successful sale in 2013. He went on to establish Turbine Tooling Solutions LLC, developing patented technologies that continue to impact the gas turbine industry today. More recently, Thomas launched Aerospace Advisors Inc., where he advised companies on lean transformation strategies to enhance competitiveness and scalability. "It's very exciting for me to join NaturVet during such an important phase of growth," said Thomas. "I look forward to supporting the team by enhancing operational strength and fostering a culture where every individual is empowered to succeed." A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Thomas has led over 3,000 hours of training in Lean practices, leadership development and operational efficiency. Fluent in French and Spanish, his global perspective and collaborative leadership style are shaped by extensive international experience. Based in San Diego, he enjoys an active lifestyle filled with surfing, sailing, skiing and mountain biking. To learn more about NaturVet, visit Media Contact Olivia Nott, NaturVet, 916-285-9835, naturvet@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NaturVet Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Post
7 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Three Link Solutions Names Andrew Pettit as Canadian Country Leader
Veteran Workday leader joins Three Link to drive strategic growth and client success across Canada THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors DALLAS — Three Link Solutions (Three Link), a leading provider in deploying and optimizing Workday solutions, today announced the appointment of Andrew Pettit as its new Canadian Country Leader. Andrew brings a rare blend of global perspective, business acumen, and deep Workday expertise to the role. His career spans strategy consulting, airline technology, and enterprise software leadership at SAP and Workday. At Workday, Pettit spent nine years leading transformative initiatives as the senior director for Workday Professional Services in Canada. He spearheaded a more prescriptive approach to small and medium-sized enterprise deployments across North America, quadrupled Canadian bookings and restructured the Mexico team to become a partner-led region. 'We're thrilled to welcome Andrew to the team,' said Greg Knowlton, Founding Partner at Three Link Solutions. 'His leadership, insight, and deep understanding of the Workday ecosystem will be instrumental as we continue to scale and innovate. Andrew's addition not only strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional value to our clients across Canada but also reinforces our long-term commitment to growing our presence and investing in the Canadian market.' Based in Toronto, Pettit is passionate about driving business growth and innovation. He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and a bachelor's degree from Western University. 'I'm excited to join a team that's redefining what it means to partner with Workday customers,' said Pettit. 'Three Link's commitment to excellence and its people-first culture made this an easy decision. I look forward to helping our clients across Canada achieve even greater success.' About Three Link Solutions Three Link Solutions is singularly focused on our customers' Workday success through a full array of professional services delivered by high-quality, vetted Workday consultants. With Three Link, Workday customers can unlock the full value and productivity from their Workday investment. Led by industry veterans, Three Link is a certified Workday Services Partner, Staffing Partner, and Advisory Partner. Three Link sources top talent to give Workday customers expert consultants for their unique needs through planned engagement or for business continuity through a pay-as-you-go model. Through the entire Workday lifecycle, Three Link provides a customized, seamless transition of your finance, HR, planning, and supply chain operations to Workday. Link up, today View source version on Deanna Werner dwerner@ 231-288-3700 Pierpont Communications
