LEADERSHIP DISTRACTIONS
I’m currently listening (and laughing) to It doesn’t have to be crazy at work by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier (2018).
It’s a raw account of everything that distracts you from doing the work you should be doing in the time dedicated to working.
Five years ago, I wrote a blog about the distractions a client was experiencing on a daily basis and I realize we’ve written this in the same year.
I’ve dusted the blog off to share and let you determine if anything has changed.
LEADERSHIP DISTRACTIONS IN 2018
Your inability to practise leadership is a consequence of the many distractions in your day.
Yes, the world is spinning at a pace that feels so fast (yet it’s not); being accessible to communication via mind-blowing technology that entertains your brain is impeding your opportunity to practise leadership.
Your concentration is suffering and consequently, your people don’t feel satisfied which appears to be a surprise when you read the commentary and data in your anonymous employee survey.
The most common phrase I’m hearing is, “I feel overwhelmed.” And you need to answer this question:
Am I responsible?
Distractions waste everyone’s time. It’s paralyzing your ability to role model, listen, lead, provide feedback, set direction, hear and, create the vibe you want in your workplace (and at home.)
And the thing is, you know how to fix this … yet you’re too distracted to fix it.
People’s self-worth will diminish further without giving them the deserve attention they’re responsible to give.
Here’s a list of distractions:
DEVICES – laptops, phones, tablets and smartwatches which take precedence over people
INBOX – whittling down emails from your staff (rather than a quick conversation)
STORIES – that are in your head or doing the rounds in the office rather than being addressed
TIMEFRAMES – take precedence over the impact on people; skills & resilience are neglected
RELATIONSHIPS – are always on, online, when boundaries aren’t established
APPOINTMENTS – are scattered across your day rather than blocked to create time to focus and work
COMMUNICATION – preferences aren’t recognized and people miss your critical messages
TELEPHONE – is tightly held waiting for the next distraction to take you out of your deep work
INTERRUPTIONS – are acceptable when you give permission to disrupt your concentration
OVERWHELMED – and unable to focus on one important task (that should only take 30 minutes)
NOISE – created by your device trumps the conversation you’re having now
SLEEP – hygiene practices e.g., the phone next to your bed
What’s distracting your leadership?
Please share what distracts you most in 2023 and what you’re doing to prevent the distraction.