Do you enjoy working sixty to seventy-plus hours a week?
I hated it.
It will cause you to burn out and have your performance slip. You need to take care of you. What does that look like for the modern leader?
I am glad you asked.
It starts with getting plenty of sleep. Then eat breakfast. Then monitor your energy level at six points throughout the day. Do you feel more energetic or less energetic?
Remember simplicity is the key.
Keep this log for three weeks. Do it every day, no exceptions and no excuses.
Once you know your energy pattern, schedule your energy draining tasks around your energy levels. I am better in the morning, so I schedule my heavy stuff in the morning. If you are scheduling your tasks around your energy levels, you will see yourself getting more done and being shocked at how much extra time you have.
This also requires a couple of other little tricks that you will need in order to get things done during those high energy times.
1. Let it go to voicemail unless you need to answer it.
If your kids school calls, you need to go. If Bob/Laura from “that” department wants to shoot the breeze, let them blow it into your inbox.
2. Set times of the day to respond to and file email.
It will build up and you need to deal with it, but if you make it a routine part of your day, you will spend less time dealing with it and more time doing something with or about it.
3. Let someone else be the hero sometime.
The Super-friends did not use every hero in every episode. Now I am sure I just lost most of you so have fun Googling that reference. The point is that you do not have to always be the one to save the day and that’s what being a part of a team is about. Every good leader knows it is good to let others shine.
4. Lack of preparation on your part is not an emergency on my part.
Do not let someone else’s lack of organization interfere with yours. If you are not taking care of what you need to in order to be more efficient, than don’t whine about it. No one wants to hear it and you will look like a spineless wanna be leader. I really just used wanna be.
5. Bring the noise.
Just make sure it is the right kind of noise. I would suggest music that helps you focus. Find stuff that blocks out the background noise and helps you think.
6. I am not here, even if you can see me.
It helps to clearly define to your direct reports the times when you are to be left alone unless it appears on this list and then give them a list. This gives you the time you need to do what you need to do.
7. Take a break
You are not a superhero no matter how many powers you have in your daydreams. You need to take a break and have a snack. Feeding your body feeds your mind. This is also a good time to stretch and get the blood moving. Take a short walk around the building.
8. Some things really do have to wait until tomorrow.
I am sorry but not everything is an emergency. Learning to prioritize better is essential. Learning to say “No.” is an even bigger time maker.
9. Say “I am sorry” and move on.
In other words take responsibility with your direct reports because they are holding you responsible whether you like it or not. It will save you time to just own up to it and work with them for solutions rather than trying to convince them it’s somebody else’s fault.
10. You have vacation time, use it.
Taking at least ten days off every six months or so is exactly what I would order for you to recharge and be ready for the onslaught that is being a modern leader.
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This is a really informative post. I wish it would attract more attention.. Thanks for the tips! :-)
Thank you.