How do successful leaders get more done and manage to complete important work? How do they keep their priorities straight, vision clear, as well as have a personal life?
Through some casual research collecting information from my coaching clients, business and personal networking; reading blogs and articles, I have found some frequently applied practices or behaviors.
Cede control to smarter people: Successful leaders often say, “I don’t know” and surround themselves with smart people in every aspect of their lives. They can tolerant not knowing and not controlling everything. It takes a certain ego to do this. They leave the “I do everything” control freaks in the dust.
Highly productive meetings: Productive managers are invited to many meeting — some claim to have 20 per day, all the more reason they have to manage the content and time. Many favor stand-up or morning huddles — they tend to be shorter and to the point. People on the go will schedule “walk-to” meetings where they conference with another en route to the next event or as a way of getting some exercise. This is not a casual interaction but listening and decisionmaking time —while walking. They like agendas and don’t pack them with items that could be settled by a few before or after. They limit time spent on any topic and schedule another meeting if something now seems to require more time. They don’t invite everyone to everything — it’s a select invite. Attendees leave with action points and deadlines.
Planning plane time: Many successful leaders and managers love their time on air planes — few interruptions or distractions. They actually schedule their onboard time. On a long flight they will set up time slots for strategist thinking, reading of complicated documents, writing, and editing. They also schedule time to eat, nap, and most importantly, disconnect and reflect. This is all planned because they are excellent managers of time.
Know their sleep needs: Smart executives know how many hours of sleep they need to work at their best. They get it most nights. Enough sleep is measured by waking without an alarm and feeling refreshed. For some it’s five hours, a majority seven or eight, and for a decent number 9 or 10 but whatever they need, they see it as essential never optional.
Connected to this is…
Don’t lists: Tasks, behaviors or obligations, some of which are actually attractive or fun, are not allowed because they are off goal, mission and/or vision.
“To Do” lists: These have structure using one or a variety of features or apps. Many color code; some write them anew each day, others prep their week Sunday night. They fully book their calendars, not just with interactions but also with think time and personal time.
In the same vein…
More meetings in-person or on the telephone: A surprising number of managers suggested this. They find them more efficient and clear than the endless back and forth threads of e-mails. They believe there is added information in hearing a reaction.
Know when it’s too much: Successful leaders say, “it’s not too hard, it’s too much,” meaning the process is too complicated for the need. They are forever looking to streamline using technology, deleting the superfluous or redundant. They also know individual productivity declines significantly after 50 hours and screeches to a halt at 70 hours for both themselves and their crew. Another reason to dive toward doing the hard tasks early — the rewards are often greater.
Avoid multitasking: This came up again and again. People believe juggling is a circus act, not a workplace activity. They know the research says multitasking is neither time saving nor effective. With a good representation of attention deficit in the crowd, they have learned from the data, and personal experience, that what the brain actually craves, variety may not be the optimum way to act. They also know it’s easy to confuse motion with results and these are results-driven people.
Accept 90%: When good enough is good enough and almost finished is better than late or not at all. They understand “overworking the dough” not only gives you a leaded loaf but also a dull, pedantic outcome. One executive was quoted as saying, “If Apple waited for perfection, we’d all be using a Samsung.” Point taken.
Regularly disconnect from work: They understand the need for time to exercise, have frequent and quality family time, pursue outside interests, and support their other passions.
Successful leaders and managers are smart and motivated but they are also disciplined in the way they work and play. Those I have listed are a few of the most popular techniques.
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