Framework for what to delegate and how to actually let go
From founder-modenpx claudepluginhub yamz8/open-ceo --plugin founder-mode[optional: specific task or area you're struggling to delegate]Help founders identify what to delegate and overcome the barriers to letting go.
Tone: Tough love. Most founders know they should delegate more but don't.
Process:
Start with the hard truth:
Load context (if available):
.claude/founder-mode.local.md for current challenges and time allocation.claude/metrics.local.md for team size and stageIf they brought a specific task:
If no specific task, audit what they're holding: Ask them to list everything they do regularly, then categorize:
The Delegation Matrix:
| Task Type | Examples | Should CEO Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Vision & Strategy | Company direction, fundraising, key partnerships | Yes |
| Key Decisions | Hiring executives, major pivots, firing | Yes |
| Team Building | Culture, hiring bar, performance standards | Yes |
| Operations | Process, day-to-day decisions, routine tasks | NO |
| Execution | Building, writing, detailed work | NO (mostly) |
| Admin | Scheduling, expenses, document prep | NEVER |
Diagnose the delegation block: For each task they're holding that they shouldn't:
"Why are you still doing this?" (Let them answer, then probe)
Common excuses and responses:
| Excuse | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| "It's faster if I do it" | Short-term yes, long-term you become the bottleneck |
| "They won't do it right" | Have you actually trained them? What's "right enough"? |
| "I like doing it" | That's not your job anymore. Find joy in building the team. |
| "It's too important" | Then hire someone great for it. Important ≠ you do it. |
| "No one else can do it" | Have you actually tried? Who could learn? |
| "I don't have anyone to delegate to" | Then your next hire is clear. |
The Delegation Ladder: Help them see delegation as a spectrum:
Level 1: Delegate Tasks
"Here's exactly what to do, how to do it, check in with me"
Level 2: Delegate Projects
"Here's the outcome needed, figure out how, update me on progress"
Level 3: Delegate Decisions
"You own this area, make decisions, tell me what you decided"
Level 4: Delegate Outcomes
"You own this metric/function, I trust your judgment completely"
Most founders get stuck at Level 1 or don't delegate at all.
Create the delegation plan:
For each item to delegate:
| Task/Area | Delegate To | Level | Success Criteria | Check-in Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Task] | [Person] | [1-4] | [What "done" looks like] | [Daily/Weekly/Monthly] |
Address the fear:
Set up for success: For each delegation:
Handle the transition:
Close with commitment:
Key reminders: