| “Today, I’d like to talk about time management”. This is a common topic in coaching because we live in a society that values busyness. I did a newsletter on the topic a few months ago and many of you sent notes about how it resonated with you. One of my clients, who is a smart, dedicated senior leader, has a really difficult time letting go. She struggles with the concept of “less is more” and it impacts her ability to effectively lead and manage her team. I know several other professionals who are incapable of writing a concise email, and yet others who lead meetings with little focus or desired outcomes. Poor meeting management, too long or ineffective emails, being a slave to Slack or chat, or using too many words to make a point all eat away at our time. All of them can and should be addressed and improved. We need to rest, recharge, and reflect. Yet, how can we do this when we have no time? |
| Worth The Share |
| It is because the topics of time management and time for reflection come up frequently in coaching conversations that I was particularly intrigued by Cal Newport’s new book, Slow Productivity, The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. The author talks about our ever-growing to-do lists and constant meetings as challenging our ability to do great work, stating that “languid intentionality” matters. He defines slow productivity as “A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner, based on the following three principles: ” |
| Do fewer thingsWork at a natural paceObsess over quality In the Wall Street Journal article about the book, author Rachel Feintzeig said: “Top- notch quality is the goal, and frenetic activity the enemy. This, he (Cal Newport) told me, is that thing that can save our jobs from AI and layoffs, and even make shareholders happy.” That is a bold statement, and one worth considering. She goes on to say that data from Microsoft says that many of us are spending two full workdays a week answering emails and in meetings. I think that number is conservative. The solution? Less is more, focus on a couple of big projects. While this is not new advice, it is advice worth doing. It’s the Pickle Jar Theory popularized by Jeremy Wright. Another thing Cal Newport talks about doing is having hard periods of work balanced with a period of relaxation. I appreciate his suggestion that we work with an “intentional rhythm”, as being intentional is crucial when we think about how we use our time. Give yourself time to do the work and also time to reflect, to relax, to be. Get the book or read Less is More: The Case for Slow Productivity at Work in the WSJ. |
| #wisewords “Don’t mistake activity with achievement.” — John Wooden, Coach |
| And Finally… |
| What can you take off your plate or let go of? What can you say “no” to? Summertime is quickly approaching. It is a time when many of us plan vacations to get away from all the busyness of our lives and relax, explore, learn, or connect. Here is a challenge. How can you build a little bit of vacation into the coming week? What is one change you can intentionally make to give yourself time to slow down and reflect? |
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