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Key takeaways
The tasks business owners hate are worth listing, but dislike alone is a poor reason to outsource. Ask why the task is dreaded. If it is dull and repetitive, it is probably a good candidate. If it is dreaded because it involves conflict, judgement or a messy process, outsourcing will pass the problem on rather than solve it.
- List the tasks you dread, then ask why.
- Dull and repetitive: usually a good candidate.
- Conflict or judgement: usually stays.
- Messy process: fix it first.
Want a second opinion on the tasks you dread? Message us on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp →Why is dislike a weak signal?
Because people dislike tasks for very different reasons. Data entry is disliked because it is dull, which is fine to outsource. Chasing a client who owes money is disliked because it is awkward, and the awkwardness may need your relationship. A disorganised filing system is disliked because it is a mess, and a provider will hate it too.
How do you sort the tasks you hate?
Give each disliked task one of four reasons.
- Dull: repetitive and rule-based. Screen it as a candidate.
- Awkward: conflict or relationship. Keep it, or split the admin.
- Unclear: no defined steps. Write it down first.
- Broken: the process is messy. Fix or stop it first.
What about tasks you enjoy?
Check them too. Owners often hold on to tasks they enjoy, such as designing social posts or tinkering with the website, that pass every outsourcing signal and take hours a week. Enjoying a task is a fine reason to keep it, as long as you know what it costs in time you could spend elsewhere.
What does this look like in practice?
A pattern we see: an owner's dreaded list has six tasks. Two are dull (expense coding and stock updates) and move easily. Two are awkward (late payers and supplier disputes) and stay, with the reminders outsourced. Two are broken (filing and a job tracker) and are fixed before anything moves.
Disliked tasks checklist
- List every task you dread.
- Give each one a reason: dull, awkward, unclear or broken.
- Screen the dull ones as candidates.
- Fix or write down the unclear and broken ones.
- Check the tasks you enjoy for hidden cost.
Next step
Write your five most dreaded tasks on a sheet and label each with its reason. Start with the dull ones.
Message us on WhatsApp for the dread sort sheet, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- Work-related stress and how to manage it · Health and Safety Executive
- Multitasking: switching costs · American Psychological Association
Frequently asked questions
Should I outsource the tasks I hate?
Only after asking why you hate them. Dull, repetitive tasks are usually good candidates. Tasks you dread because of conflict or judgement may need you, though the admin around them can move. Tasks you dread because the process is a mess should be fixed before anyone else takes them on.
Which tasks do business owners hate most?
Common answers include bookkeeping, chasing payments, email admin, scheduling and paperwork for compliance. Several of these are good candidates once split: the routine part moves and any judgement or relationship part stays with the owner.
Is it wrong to keep tasks I enjoy?
No. Enjoyment matters, and some tasks keep you close to customers or the product. Just know the cost. If an enjoyable task takes ten hours a week and passes every outsourcing signal, decide consciously whether those hours are better spent elsewhere.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
