The other day I was asked if I was in a good place to handoff my current workload on to another designer so I could move on to the next big task. In most cases delegating an implementation task would be no big deal, but for some reason unbeknownst to me at the time, I was apprehensive to do so. I realized later on that I was having a hard time letting go of something I had design input and creation from the beginning of its development. From the basic concept, to protyping, and planning, I was involved in a hands-on capacity. I held important meetings to discuss macro and micro concepts of the design and provided input on current implantation functions and ideas for possible tech requests. I had prototyped at length several different concepts and bridged communication gaps between the different departments. Now here it was, the time for me to pass it on before completion on to another designer.
it didn’t occur to me that I needed to professionally mourn my handoff until I had actually examined why I was so apprehensive to pass the torch. In a profession that relies heavily on creativity and unique ideas, it’s common to have ambivalent emotions about letting go of your creative baby. I imagine a lot of other artists and professionals can relate to this situation and realize the necessity of delegation when it’s time.
I’ve come to realize that at some point I have to let go because of the implications of what it could do for the team and for myself. In order to do this, I need to make sure that my knowledge is passed on in full and with patience. Hording knowledge will not make me indispensable, it will only hurt me and my team. Working as if I’m the only one capable of completing a task will cause burnout and make it difficult for your team in the long run. Passing on that information through training, documentation, or both will benefit everyone in the long run.
I also need to realize that once I hand off a task, it may not get completed the same way I would have done it. This one can be a bit tricky to manage because if I don relay the proper information it may end in an excess of bugs, wasted time, and possible rework. But I also need to realize that someone is capable of carrying on my work and refining it. Fresh eyes will offer the opportunity for someone to solve a problem or implement something in a way that benefits and expands on the task beneficially.
The next task is also going to need my full attention. Without being able to fully handoff a task, I won’t be able to transition to the next one with the best of my abilities.
Valerie Kromas 