In today’s busy business environment, we so often hear how pressed for time leaders find themselves. We are connected – 24/7 these days. Time is a valuable and finite resource. You can’t create more than 24 hours in a day. It comes down to time management and not getting distracted by bright, shiny objects.
I can find myself getting distracted with incoming email and text messages. Here are some tips on how to create more space to visualize, think, and read. Without these ingredients in your routine running of your business, you are likely unable to be intentional on where you want to drive your business.
- Jim Collins, author of Built to Last breaks his time up into blocks: 50% creative time, 30% teaching/business, 20% other. During his 50% creative time he unplugs all electronics. This is time to read, write, and think.
- I respond to email generally only 2 times daily- at noon and at 5pm. This catches the morning emails that I can address at midday and then catches the afternoon emails so responses are ready for the recipient first things in the morning.
- Hold office hours. You designate a time where your door is open for any discussion with your team members. The non-office hours allow you to focus only on the highest best use of your time to work on your goals.
- Take breaks to restore energy and creativity. This could be a walk around your office building or taking a walk-in a nearby park. (I have also heard of people taking conference calls while walking around to keep movement in their day and their mind alert on the conversation.)
- Know when to say “no” to a meeting. If meetings take up too much of your time, then you can’t strike a balance to find the space to focus on your top priority.
Here’s to creating the space that you need to drive the health of your business to new heights!
Mike