Letting Go of the Reins
The studio, Monday morning — Theo's first day
The six-week deadline was impossible for two people. On Monday, Theo — the illustrator next door — became their first hire.
Theo: Relax — I've {{r:carry_out_perform_task|carried out}} bigger jobs than this single-handed. Which half is mine?
Maya had to hand over the design side — let Theo {{r:take_over_control|take over}} completely, not cling to half.
Lena: There's a fine line between supporting him and hovering. Trust your hire.
The studio, late Thursday night, week two
By Thursday night Maya was rewriting Theo's drafts. Lena caught her.
Lena: You hired him so the client gets your undivided attention. With that in mind — step back, let him finish something.
Maya: You're right. He can keep up the standard — I have to let him prove it.
On Friday Theo presented — Maya silent in the back row, or not there at all — and the client barely stopped smiling. Delegating wasn't losing control; it was multiplying it.