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.