Who Has Your Diary?
As a leadership development coach, I often hear leaders say, “I don’t know where my day has gone?” If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take a closer look at your diary. The truth is, if you don’t take charge of your time, someone else will. When you allow others to impose their agendas on you, you risk losing control over your most valuable resource: time. This not only hampers your productivity but also undermines your ability to lead effectively.
In this blog, we’ll explore the implications of allowing others to dictate your schedule and how you can regain control of your time. The key lies in planning and prioritising tasks that only you, as the leader, can perform. There is a three-point plan to help you reclaim your diary and ensure that important tasks are scheduled for the times when you have the most energy.
The Pitfalls of a Hijacked Diary
When you let others fill your calendar, you end up reacting to their priorities rather than advancing your own. This reactive mode leads to several problems:
Diluted Focus
Your attention gets scattered across too many tasks, leading to under performance in areas that require your expertise and strategic vision.
Increased Stres
Constantly switching between tasks and dealing with interruptions can elevate your stress levels, affecting your overall well-being and decision-making ability.
Loss of Authority
By allowing others to control your time, you inadvertently signal that their needs take precedence over your leadership responsibilities.
Reclaiming Your Diary: A Three-Point Plan
To regain control of your diary, you need to be intentional about how you allocate your time. Here’s a three-point plan to help you get started:
1. Conduct a Time Audit
Before you can make changes, you need to understand where your time is currently going. Track your activities for a week, noting how much time you spend on various tasks. This audit will reveal patterns and highlight areas where you’re spending too much time on low-priority activities.
Action Steps:
- Track Your Time: Use a time-tracking app or a simple spreadsheet to log your activities.
- Identify Time Wasters: Look for patterns of inefficiency, such as frequent interruptions or excessive time in meetings.
- Analyse: Determine which tasks could be delegated or eliminated.
2. Set Clear Priorities
Once you’ve identified where your time is going, it’s time to set clear priorities. Focus on tasks that only you can do as the leader and that align with your strategic goals. This means saying no to activities that don’t contribute to your core responsibilities.
Action Steps:
- List Key Responsibilities: Identify the tasks that only you can perform and that are crucial for achieving your objectives.
- Rank Tasks by Importance: Use a prioritisation matrix (Covey Matrix for example) to rank tasks based on their importance and urgency.
- Delegate: Assign lower-priority tasks to capable team members.
3. Schedule with Energy in Mind
Your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. To maximize productivity, schedule your most important tasks during the times when you have the most energy. This ensures that you’re at your best when tackling high-impact activities.
Action Steps:
- Identify Peak Energy Times: Pay attention to when you feel most alert and focused during the day. (At Your Best – Carey Nieuwhof)
- Block Time for Important Tasks: Schedule critical tasks during these peak periods.
- Protect Your Time: Set boundaries to minimise interruptions during these blocks of time. You must set expectations early on, although it is never too late to start.
Implementing the Plan
To implement this plan effectively, consider these additional tips:
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review your schedule to ensure it aligns with your priorities.
- Communicate Boundaries: Let your team know when you’re available and when you need uninterrupted time.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed, but always keep your core priorities in focus.
By taking charge of your diary, you can transform how you lead and manage your time. The benefits are clear: greater focus, reduced stress, and a stronger ability to drive your organization towards its strategic goals. Remember, the most successful leaders are those who recognize the value of their time and take deliberate steps to protect it.
Take control of your diary today and watch your leadership effectiveness soar. Your time is your most precious resource—guard it wisely.
Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash.
Next Steps: Take the 5 Voices Personality Assessment
Understanding yourself is the first step to leading yourself effectively. To help you on this journey, I invite you to take the free 5 Voices personality assessment. This tool will provide you with valuable insights into your natural strengths and potential blind spots, enabling you to lead with greater clarity and confidence. It comes with a 30 minute discovery session to help you understand it.
Contact me here for your free assessment.
By investing in self-awareness, you can begin to unlock your full potential as a leader, fostering a culture of growth, trust, and innovation within your organisation. Remember, the journey to effective leadership starts with understanding who you are and how you lead. Take the first step today.
Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash.
References:
1. Covey, S. R. (1989). *The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People*. Simon & Schuster.
2. Goleman, D. (1998). *Working with Emotional Intelligence*. Bantam Books.
3. Drucker, P. F. (1967). *The Effective Executive*. Harper & Row.
