Ep 94: How I Decide What to Outsource

Dec 5

How I Decide What to Outsource

In a recent mastermind training I did, the question of when to hire a community manager or any team member was raised. To help answer this question, I shared a valuable tactic called the Joy Skill Quadrant. This simple tool can assist in determining if it's time to delegate or hire a new team member. Let's dive into the key takeaways from this insightful discussion.

Introducing the Joy Skill Quadrant:

The Joy Skill Quadrant is a visual tool that helps identify tasks based on the level of joy it gives you and skill that’s required. By dividing tasks into four quadrants, you can determine which ones to delegate or hire for.

High Joy, Low Skill:

Tasks that bring you or your team members joy but you/they lack the skill to do them can be great opportunities for professional development. Consider investing in training courses or providing growth opportunities for team members who show potential in these areas.

High Joy, High Skill:

Tasks that bring joy and they are highly skilled at are best left to team members who excel in those areas. If someone on your team enjoys and excels at a particular task, it's best to let them handle it, rather than outsourcing or hiring for it.

Low Joy, Low Skill:

Tasks that neither bring joy nor require much skill are ideal for outsourcing. These are the tasks that entrepreneurs and early employees often find themselves doing out of necessity. By outsourcing these tasks, you can free up time and energy for more important aspects of your business.

Low Joy, High Skill:

These tasks may not be enjoyable to you or anyone on your team, but it's crucial to make the business run. Ideally, you have someone who has the skill to perform this task because outsourcing could be expensive depending on the task. I like to limit their allocation to no more than 20% of the workload. I call this the "20% tax" or an essential cost of doing business, suggesting that individuals with the necessary skills should handle them.

Hiring a Community Manager

Determining whether to hire a community manager or delegate tasks requires careful consideration. The Joy Skill Quadrant provides a practical framework for evaluating which tasks to prioritize for outsourcing or hiring. By understanding the joy and skill levels associated with each task, you can make informed decisions that benefit both your business and your team. To learn more about this topic, we encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode.