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Stop Carrying Other People’s Monkeys

In The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey, Kenneth H. Blanchard delivers a sharp, story-driven guide on one of the biggest productivity killers in leadership: taking on problems that don’t belong to you.

In this business parable, “monkeys” are metaphors for tasks, problems, and responsibilities. Too often, well-meaning managers allow their team members to hand off these monkeys dumping extra work and stress onto their leader’s plate. The result? Managers become overloaded, teams become dependent, and productivity grinds to a halt.

Blanchard offers a simple yet powerful framework for effective delegation, helping leaders keep the right monkeys on the right backs. The lesson is clear: if you want to free up your time, make your team more capable, and achieve better results, you need to master the art of giving responsibility back to where it belongs.

Top 10 Lessons from The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey

1. Every Task Is a Monkey

A “monkey” is any responsibility, decision, or follow-up. If it’s not yours, don’t let it jump on your back.

2. Don’t Adopt Other People’s Monkeys

When someone comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to solve it for them immediately.

3. Keep the Monkey on the Right Back

The person closest to the work or most capable of solving the problem should own the responsibility.

4. Ask, Don’t Take Over

Instead of answering instantly, ask questions that guide the other person toward their own solution.

5. Set Clear Next Steps

When delegating, define who owns the monkey, what action is needed, and by when.

6. Control Without Micromanaging

Follow up on delegated tasks regularly, but don’t take the work back. Monitor without overstepping.

7. Protect Your Time Fiercely

If you keep accepting monkeys, your own priorities suffer. Your schedule should reflect your responsibilities first.

8. Empower Through Responsibility

Letting people keep their monkeys helps them develop problem-solving skills and confidence.

9. Say “No” Without Guilt

Turning down extra tasks isn’t selfish it’s leadership. You’re enabling others to step up.

10. Manage Upward Too

Delegation principles work in all directions you can also stop accepting monkeys from higher-ups that don’t belong to you.

Why This Book Matters

Blanchard doesn’t just talk about time management he reframes it. The “monkey” metaphor sticks with you, making it easier to spot and stop bad delegation habits. For leaders who feel buried under tasks, this book is an immediate mindset shift and a practical rescue plan.

Final Take:
“The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey isn’t just about delegation it’s about reclaiming your focus, your time, and your sanity. Once you learn to keep monkeys where they belong, you’ll never manage the same way again.”