Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Triple Play Time
Day 8
Time management is such a struggle for leaders. Here is a tip to carve out time every day to do your best work.
In a similar way, you need to eliminate the ways people interrupt you from your most important work.
1. Schedule Out: Schedule time in your calendar to work alone without distractions or interruptions. To do this effectively you need to set the following expectations with others:
- Change your email signature and voicemail message to inform people that you only check messages at two to four specific times during the day.
- Schedule regular meetings with your direct reports and make it clear that except in the case of an emergency, you will either email them your questions or wait to discuss topics until you get together during your regular meeting.
- Balance your TRIPLE PLAY time with Open Door time when you can be interrupted.
When I encouraged this type of time management with
Solid Networks, an awesome IT/MS provider in Modesto, California, their people just put a sign on the floor of the entrance to their cubicle. It was their "Solid Time." They all said Solid Time really helped their productivity.3. Tech Out: Thirty years ago, there were no cell phones, text messages, PDAs, instant messengers or email, but people still got work done and had meaningful relationships.
Tech Out during TRIPLE PLAY time: Turn off all technology (cell phone, email, IM, desk phone...) so you can focus your mental energy on achieving your most important work.
It is reasonable for you to set certain hours during the day when you cannot be reached. After all, you do it every time you go into a meeting. (Or at least, you should!)
Communicate to your co-workers, clients and vendors that you are unavailable during certain periods of time during the workday so you can practice TRIPLE PLAY time.
Accomplish more in less time. Try TRIPLE PLAY time.
Thank You.
