The Overscheduled Executive: Why 24/7 Won’t Get You Where You Want To Go
Author: Suzanne Bates
When you only block and tackle through your day, you leave no time for what matters most in your career. Successful people make the leap from overscheduled managers to strategic leaders.Leaders articulate vision and strategy, motivating others to accomplish clear goals.Without that priority, you will never be as successful as you deserve to be.
Case Study in Why Multi-Tasking Fails
Many people believe they can multitask their way to success.Sheryl, the senior vice president of a firm, won kudos from her team for her availability and capacity to take on projects, but the team wished she would make time for presentations and tout their work to senior management.
Her bosses told her to become “more of a leader,” to delegate activity and set a direction.She had potential to run the firm, but only if she could learn to communicate this vision and drive results.
The Big Myth: You Cannot Multi-Task Your Way to Success
Fill your day with the routine tasks and you miss your real job.
When the company tells me an employee is high potential but not “strategic,” this means that the employee is in danger of hitting a glass ceiling and getting stuck. Fortunately Sheryl took this to heart.She started delegating to her direct reports. She delayed activities and deleted things she didn’t need to do.She created and articulated her vision and strategy.She delivered presentations to senior management.With time, she changed her habits and altered perceptions.
Case Study: Why Your Own Comfort Zone Will Kill You
Tom had a different challenge.He always took time to speak to groups inside and outside his company.He became president of his division because he was good at speaking. After his promotion, he continued to focus on speaking, but failed to communicate with his team.
Danger Signs—You Are Not Spending Time Wisely
Tom made a common mistake—doing what he enjoyed while neglecting an important audience.When he was promoted, he did not develop work habits that would validate his leadership.
How to Avoid the Busy Trap and Do What’s Important
How do you know you’re spending time wisely, doing what will make you successful? Start by finding out what others think:
Get feedback on your communication strengths and weaknesses and your time management.
If the feedback shows you need to improve, don’t blame others.
Block out strategic time.
Write, present and speak regularly.
Develop your skill at delivering your message clearly and powerfully.
