Clutter is Delayed Decisions

I wish I could claim the title of this post as my original thought, but I can’t.  It belongs to Barbara Hemphill, speaker, author, and among other things, developer of the Taming the Paper Tiger series of products.  I read this line a couple of days ago and it struck me (perhaps because I have too much clutter on my desks – at work and at home).

While I am working on that personal challenge, and that lesson could be purpose enough for a post, there is a deeper meaning to the post that is very important. 

As leaders we are busy people.  We have lots going on, competing priorities, mutliple balls in the air – in other words we have lots of mental clutter – regardless what our inboxes and desks look like!

Have you ever noticed that when you make a decision, your mind is clearer, if just for a minute?  The “load” is lightened and you feel more productive and effective?  While there are probably many reasons for this, this recognition is important.

I’m betting your mind looks a bit like my desk – cluttered.  Not enough space to write and concentrate.  Too many distractions, ideas and yes, decisions-unmade. 

If you want to be a more effective leader today, be a more decisive one.  Clean up your mental clutter by making some decisions.  I don’t need to list them, you know what they are.  They might be work related, project related, personnel related, or personal. 

Work through some of them today – decide and declutter.

Once you declutter your mind, you will create space for thinking, creation, and progress towards the goals you have for yourself and your team.