Productive or simply busy?

Hello Sheeba,

Did you know that as a leader, your time is one of your most valuable resources? Basically, everything you do, every decision you make, and the direction you set for your team depends on how you manage your time.

When you can learn to be a good steward of your time you will notice not only more personal success but also the success of your team. Let's talk about some strategies for effective time management and why every leader should prioritize this.

 

1. Use Checklists

There is too much that we are carrying around in our minds, and with the busyness of our lives, something is bound to be forgotten. Whether it's a paper and pen or an app that lets you write out a checklist for the day, I highly recommend you sit down and write out your priorities for the day that actually connects to the initiatives that produces the most impact. This checklist will help keep you on track, and it's quite satisfying checking things off the list as you go! 

2. Set Deadlines

A deadline can be motivating because it's when a project or assignment must be completed. I would encourage you to make sure you tell others about your deadline or write it on your calendar so you take it seriously and let it motivate you. 

3. Eliminate Interruptions

If you work from home, does a television distract you? What about your phone sitting nearby and you find yourself scrolling on Facebook watching cat videos again? Make a point to eliminate interruptions. This will help you manage your time a lot more effectively.

4. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Multitasking may sound impressive but it really isn't the best idea. If you focus on one thing at a time until it is complete, you will find much more success with your goals. Sometimes, people find this hard to do because the one thing that they are focusing on takes quite a bit of time. And that is totally fine, block time off to do that one thing knowing full well that it may take several "blocked time frames" to totally complete it. 

5. Take breaks 

Taking breaks is so important, but always make sure these breaks are effective. Maybe go for a walk and get some fresh air and exercise, or close your eyes for a few minutes.  Sometimes, this break means shutting everything down and taking some time away from all your work. This allows you to renew and recharge without the distractions of work. 

There is truly a difference between being productive and busy. The steps that I have mentioned above allow for you to move into the productivity zone. You want to work in your zone of strength and on the priorities that really contribute to the goals for that quarter.  

 

 
Inspiring You To Thrive, 
 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

  1. What is your biggest challenge when it comes to time management?

  2. How do you handle unexpected interruptions or urgent tasks that arise during the day?

  3. Are you comfortable with saying 'no' when additional tasks or responsibilities are offered to you?

  4. Are there any time-wasting habits or distractions that you are aware of?

 What Are Some Of The Things On Your Autumn Bucketlist?

 

 
 

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Alina Morse: Founder of Zollipops

 

Alina Morse is an inspiring entrepreneur even when she got her first idea for a business at the young age of seven.

Alina went to the bank with her dad and when the teller gave her a lollipop, her dad told her she couldn't eat it because it was bad for her teeth.

That's when Alina's idea was born for zollipops!  

 "Together, Alina and her dad set off to make delicious lollipop treats that were actually good for teeth. In 2014, the first Zollipops treat hit the shelves: a delicious vegan, all-natural, sugar-free candy. Alina became known as the “Lollipop Girl,” a true kidpreneur!"

You can read the story here: https://shop.zollipops.com/pages/our-story

 

 

 LEADERSHIP RESOURCE: Rescue Time App

Rescue Time is an app that holds you accountable for how you manage your time. It measures your focus and helps you to reduce distractions and works to keep you on track and on task. One review from a user said:

“[RescueTime] has helped me discover distracting habits, change them, achieve more in less time spent at work and implicitly regain time to rejuvenate and have a life outside of work”
- Mihai Chiorean

The app offers a daily focus work goal tailored to you. It offers smart coaching throughout the day to keep you on track. It also offers "focus sessions". 

 

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influences that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Sheeba works with: 

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your own self-awareness and progress your career, or you aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, phone or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.

 

Tel: 650-741-6545