I admit to being a control freak.

But the "buck" does ultimately stop with me as the MD of EPA. However, we are a multi #VA company and each member of our team has outright day to day responsibility for each of their Essential PA client accounts. This shows you that I do delegate and therefore free up time for what I love to do - some client account work, a lot of new business development and marketing.

Here are the 5 levels of delegation (credit Michael Hyatt & Company) and there's a level for all manner of control freaks!

Level 1 - do exactly what I have asked you to do and don't deviate from my instructions. (An appropriate level for a trainee).

Level 2 - research the topic, gather information and report back on what you discover. We'll talk this through and then I'll give you another instruction. (You have some confidence in the person you're working with but you want to reserve the decision for yourself).

Level 3 - research the topic, outline the options and bring your best recommendations to me. Give me the pros and cons of each option and tell me what you think I ought to do. (You have growing confidence in the person you're working with but you still want to reserve the decision making authority).

Level 4 - make the decision and then tell me what you did. I trust you to do the research, make the best decision you can and then keep me in the loop. (You have a high degree of confidence in the person you're working with).

Level 5 - make whatever decision you think is best. No need to report back. I trust you completely. I know you will follow through and you have my full support. (You have complete confidence in the person you are working with).

Just a final word....most people work with us at levels 4 & 5 with confidence.