One of the biggest obstacles to the growth of small and medium-sized businesses lies in the entrepreneur’s attempt to maintain absolute control over all decisions and processes. Although direct involvement in operations may seem like a sign of commitment, this centralization compromises the business’s scalability and drains the manager’s time. To expand consistently, it is essential for leaders to learn to delegate wisely and build teams prepared to take on responsibilities autonomously.
According to Samuel Modesto, a business management expert and business mentor, knowing what to delegate—and how to delegate—is a strategic skill. ‘This does not mean the manager is giving up control, but rather creating an intelligent system where each person contributes their best. The entrepreneur needs to step away from operational tasks and assume their role as a leader of growth,’ he explains.
Delegating is not abdicating: it’s directing with clarity
The first step toward effective delegation is identifying which tasks truly require the entrepreneur’s attention and which can be safely handed off. Managing internal processes, routine customer service, or operational tasks are clear examples of activities that can—and should—be performed by others. ‘The most common mistake is thinking no one can do it as well as the owner. This mindset limits business growth and creates overload,’ notes Modesto.
However, delegating does not mean transferring a task and disappearing. It is necessary to provide guidance, monitor results, and be available to support the team. ‘The difference between delegating and abandoning is ongoing responsibility. The leader must remain present, tracking indicators and providing feedback,’ the expert points out.
Environments that encourage protagonism create stronger businesses
Beyond technique, the environment must also be favorable. Companies that want more autonomous teams must build a culture of trust, where employees feel secure in making decisions, suggesting solutions, and making mistakes when necessary. According to Modesto, empowerment does not happen by decree but through how leadership conducts daily operations.
‘Companies that strengthen their internal leadership, invest in clear communication, and value team opinions create an ecosystem where collective growth is inevitable. When employees see they have space and support, they act with greater responsibility and initiative,’ he emphasizes.
For the expert, freeing the entrepreneur from operational tasks and strengthening the team’s performance makes the company less dependent on a single person to function, while also maximizing speed and innovation capacity. ‘Scaling requires prepared leaders and proactive employees. Only then can the entrepreneur focus where they truly make a difference: on the future of the business,’ Modesto concludes.
