Ah, the days when I was disorganized and not sure where to start. I think back at those days now as I look at my white board with today’s goals, and my notebook with today’s to do’s and think, why did I wait so long for these wonderful and helpful tools?
Being a leader can be stressful and you can feel burnout at times too. Being very organized in your thoughts around your to do lists can be extremely helpful. I was once told by a leader who has now passed, that I was the most organized person he ever met. I had to be. I wore a lot of “hats” and managed many departments, so it was key for me to stay extremely organized at all times. Did it mean I got everything done I hoped to each day? Absolutely not. Not even close around those crazy year ends, or other busy times times we had. What it did help me do though, is organize the priorities that needed done each day in order to achieve what our division set out to achieve.
Use whatever it is you want to use to keep your daily priorities organized and listed by priority. Yes, leaders sometimes have to prioritize the priorities (happened to me regularly). What can you use? Tools such as the Eisenhower matrix (urgent/important quadrant), apps, notebooks, whiteboards (one of my favourites), spreadsheets, etc. Pick the one thing you will use every day and on a regular basis. Sometimes having too many tools can lead to feeling more disorganized because you don’t remember where you put the priorities from yesterday you did not finish.
After your thoughts are organized, organize your day including time in your calendar where you are on do not disturb and time for employees too. Going on do not disturb is not meant to be a time to scroll, work on something that is due next month but easy. It is meant to either be actual down time (i.e. lunch or breaks), or to work on the priorities for today. Don’t answer your phone, tell your employees to not disturb you on anything that can wait an hour or 2. Please note that safety is always something people should be able to interrupt you for, but that vendor or cold call coming in can likely wait. Planning your calendar and blocking off time (make sure it does not show as you being free during that time) can help others see you are not able to respond. Use something like Slack or Teams? Go on do not disturb there too and do not answer requests coming in there unless for urgent (again think safety) needs. Most times almost everything can wait.
Then, well, get to work. Follow your calendar or schedule you set out for the day. If you are in meetings you do not need to be in, professionally and kindly excuse yourself. Trust me you likely don’t need to be in 50% or more of the meetings you are.
Need help with your organization leadership skills? Like I said, I was told I was the most organized person people have met, so contact me today and we will work towards keeping you organized in a way that works for you. tara@twinlifecoaching.ca
(Image from Microsoft Images)
