3 Ways to Be a More Productive Leader

Are you constantly asking yourself, "How can I be a more productive leader?" If so, you're not alone. Productivity is more than just keeping busy; it's about achieving meaningful results in less time. In this blog post, we dive into three actionable tips that will help you lead more effectively and efficiently.

What Is Productivity?

Before we delve into how to be more productive, let’s clarify what productivity actually means. The misconception is that productivity is about being busy. However, productivity is actually defined as "results per unit time." It’s all about what you’re accomplishing, not just what you’re doing.

Tip #1: Work on Your Productivity Habits

Recognize Your Habits

We all have habits that either aid or hinder our productivity. The first step is recognizing them. Whether it's jotting down a to-do list every morning or mindlessly scrolling through social media, your habits have a significant impact on your output.

Analyze and Refine

Once you've identified these habits, analyze them to see which are beneficial and which need to be curbed. For instance, if you have a habit of planning your day first thing in the morning, that's a keeper. But if you find that you're sacrificing sleep to binge-watch shows, it might be time for a change.

Tip #2: Manage Interruptions

The Reality of Work Interruptions

Today's work environment is fraught with interruptions. Be it smartphones buzzing with notifications or team members stopping by with questions, these disturbances can really hamper your flow.

Be Intentional in Your Responses

As a leader, you might feel compelled to answer team members' queries right away. While that's commendable, it's also important to manage these interruptions for the sake of both your productivity and theirs. Consider setting up "office hours" for these types of interactions to prevent constant interruptions.

Tip #3: Use Your Calendar Differently

Time Blocking

Your calendar should be your productivity ally. Use it to block out time for different tasks, including strategic thinking and project work. Otherwise, the urgent will always overtake the important.

The Benefit of Intentional Planning

With intentional planning, you're more likely to focus on what truly matters. So, if you haven't been using your calendar this way, now's the time to start.

In conclusion, being a more productive leader starts with recognizing the difference between activity and accomplishment. To ramp up your productivity, work on improving your habits, managing interruptions effectively, and using your calendar more strategically. Remember, a more productive leader not only performs better but also helps the team perform better.

Have questions or need more tips? Feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to us at info@KevinEikenberry.com.