Managing yourself is an absolute must when it comes to leadership. There’s no such thing as time management – it’s all about self-management, especially for leaders. The way I manage myself directly affects how my team manages themselves. It’s like a ripple effect.
The Challenge of Distractions
I’ve got clients who are also in leadership positions, and we often share the same challenges. I mean, just think about it: phone calls, texts, email pop-ups – they can all be major interruptions that pull us away from staying focused. It’s frustrating, right?
There was a study in California that showed it takes a whopping 23 minutes to refocus after getting interrupted. Now think about how many times you’re interrupted, and multiply that by 23. If you only got interrupted four times in a day, that’s 92 minutes! That’s more than 1.5 hours wasted and trying to get back to what you were trying to accomplish. That’s why I put a lot of effort into setting clear communication expectations to avoid wasting all that time on refocusing.
Effective Meeting Management
Here’s what I do: I schedule team meetings that have super clear agendas. By keeping the meetings short and sweet, we get our questions answered and get back to work efficiently. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish when we’re laser-focused.
Balancing Efficiency and Team Building
But what about the people side of things? You know, the chit-chat, building a strong team culture, and bonding with our team members. That’s really important, too.
We have these Monday coffee Zooms where we all hop on and just catch up before diving into work. It’s a great way to connect on a personal level and build that sense of camaraderie within the team.
Personal Growth and Continuous Improvement
So as a leader, by managing myself and setting the example, I’m showing my team the importance of self-management. When they see me prioritizing my focus and time, it encourages them to do the same.
It’s also about personal growth and continuous improvement. As leaders, we need to be self-aware and understand our strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. I actively seek feedback and reflect on how I can improve my leadership skills.
By investing in my own growth, I become better equipped to guide my team. I can identify their strengths, provide the right support, and delegate tasks effectively. It’s all about staying in the loop and keeping up with the latest industry trends and best practices. That way, I can make informed decisions and lead with confidence.
A Vital Skill for Effective Leadership
So, managing yourself as a leader is crucial. It’s about setting the tone, creating a culture of efficiency, and always striving to be better. When we manage ourselves effectively, we not only benefit personally but also inspire our team members to do the same.
