In the meantime, I have a business to run!

We’re dealing with uncertainty on so many different fronts: personally, professionally, and even as global citizens. We have a daily onslaught of news and information, and are learning new ways to work and interact with our colleagues.

And, yet, businesses aren’t getting any less demanding. In fact, Americans are working MORE hours right now than even a few months ago, which probably isn’t surprising. And probably true across the world. Data just published finds that US workers were as much as 47% more productive in March and April versus a year ago. Somehow, people are juggling multiple priorities and making it work.

And feeling the strain.

I was on a call with a client this week. As part of a recent merger, we were outlining differences in the two company cultures, and identifying the best way to navigate. The two companies have very different perspectives on investments in technology. I could hear toddlers getting louder and louder as we were having our conversation.

And then, mid-sentence, he said “Excuse me just a minute, I have to put you on mute to wipe yogurt off my son’s face.”

That’s our world right now. One minute you’re talking strategic priorities, the next you’re cleaning yogurt off a toddler!

So – how can you stay focused amidst the churn that is our work day? Here are a few quick hacks:

1)     Eliminate unnecessary meetings. Your calendar deserves a review. And probably another one in another 30 days. Just because meetings have always been on the calendar doesn’t mean they need to stay there. We’re operating in a different world. I have a client who moved a few weekly meetings to biweekly and gained fours back! Another client restructured meeting attendance to the critical few and was able to give time back to his colleagues. Time is precious.

2)     Turn off your alerts – especially your news alerts. There is NO shortage of news coming out right now and turning off your alerts for news and other notifications can help you stay focused. We know that distractions can reduce our focus for almost 25 minutes (23 minutes and 30 seconds, to be precise) beyond the initial interruption. That’s a lot of potential lost time each day.

3)     Ask how people are doing. And listen to the answer. As a leader – as a human being – connect with your people. Yes, you have a business to run, and deadlines to meet, but taking just a few minutes at the front of a meeting can go a long way. We leverage Hogan assessments in much of our work, and as founder Robert Hogan says “The key to success in business is money and people. No matter how well your handle money, if you get the people part wrong, you will lose.” 

4)     Finally, cut yourself some slack! Take time for your family. Take a walk. Take a break. Eat a real lunch - away from your desk. We have so many clients who are on video calls for six / eight / ten hours straight each day. That pace just isn’t sustainable. And it’s not good for your body, your brain, or your wellbeing.

I’m pretty sure that when we get past all this, no one is going to wish they worked more hours. Poet David Whyte calls this a time of “radical simplification”. What a fabulous phrase! The idea that we can be ruthless in taking things out of our lives is empowering. Take a critical look at how you’re spending your time and your energy. Focus on the things that really matter.

At Nova, we focus on action and impact. We ask the question: what’s one action I can take that will have an immediate impact? And we know that the four actions above will have a positive impact for you. If you want more practical guidance and insight, talk to us about executive coaching.

Take care of yourself. Be well.

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