Over the last few months, many leaders have had to revisit their strategies due to the ongoing flux within the economy and geo-political landscape.
This creates unrest for them and their people, which takes a toll. Couple this with a 2024 study by Lattice and YouGov finding that 47% of UK managers surveyed reported feeling “too overwhelmed” with their routine responsibilities in the last six months to perform effectively, we can see that navigating the current pace is causing challenges.
I’m seeing this increasingly with the leaders I work with. BAU is dominating, even for those who should be working at a strategic level. Head space to think and plan, which they badly need, is the first to go, as is the time spent connecting and developing their teams.
All this leads to people playing out of position, focusing on the wrong things, and frustrated at not achieving what they really want to do. Frankly people are knackered and just need a break!
If this sounds like you, here is how you can create the space you need to truly lead.
1. Identify What Is Essential
Distinguish between tasks that are critical to your strategic focus and objectives and those that are peripheral. Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to split tasks based on urgency and importance, allowing you to concentrate on what really matters. Taking time to plan, at least four weeks in advance, will give you more control, making sure those essential things get time in your diary.
2. Clarify Priorities
Once essential tasks are identified, rank them to establish a hierarchy of priorities. Then align with your colleagues. You don’t operate in a vacuum, so don’t ignore the fact that your priorities need to be aligned upwards and sideways to enable you and your team to be focussing on the right things. Once done, set specific, measurable goals with defined timelines to provide direction and track progress. Regularly review these and adjust as things change – but don’t kick the can down the road! Rolling a deadline won’t help – challenge why things aren’t happening, and take responsibility!
3. Define Your Boundaries
Where have these slipped or not existed at all? You have wants and needs too – and you need to define your boundaries and make sure others know about them. Set limits on your availability, define your working hours, and communicate these to your stakeholders. Make sure over the month you include time for strategic planning, team engagement, personal development, and self-care to enable a healthy worklife balance. By protecting your time and energy, you can focus more effectively.
4. Set Expectations
Be really clear on what you expect of your team members, and stakeholders. This creates accountability and alignment. Together clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance standards, ensuring that everyone understands their role and deliverables. Create regular check-ins and feedback sessions to follow up on progress. Don’t let things drift. This clarity supports individual performance and also strengthens team cohesion and individual relationships.
5. Be Comfortable with Saying No
Remember, taking on too many commitments can dilute your focus and hinder performance. It also erodes trust if you don’t achieve those commitments. Therefore assess each new request or opportunity against your priorities and be prepared to decline those that don’t fit. Saying no is not a refusal to collaborate but a strategic decision to safeguard your capacity for tasks that truly matter. By doing this you maintain the quality of your work and back yourself to achieve longterm objectives.
Consider which of these will make the biggest difference for you, and make sure you do it this week!
Annabel is an Executive and Team Coach, Leadership Facilitator and Coach Supervisor. If you would value a thinking space to put this all in place, why not reach our to Annabel for a chat via LinkedIn, annabel@successfultraining.co.uk, or visit www.successfultraining.co.uk