I asked my executive clients what they wanted for Christmas. Most of them said time: Time to think, to plan, to play, to strategize. Time to be present with the most important people in their lives. Time to rest. Time to get the stuff on my list done rather than constantly putting out fires. Time to figure out my next step. Time to read a good book. Time to Christmas/Hanukkah shop. Heck, time to grocery shop!
Sound familiar? It should. These are the conversations I’ve had with you – and with myself! Let me tell you, time isn’t going to mysteriously appear in your stocking. You must create time. When I asked leaders what they needed to create that one day or extra hours in the week, here’s what they said: “I need to…”
- Disappear from the office
- Be unavailable
- Trim my calendar
- Empower, trust, and delegate to my leadership team
- Set realistic goals
- Set and hold my boundaries
- Hold others (and myself) accountable
- Communicate to my Board of Directors
- Communicate to my staff
But it’s not that simple, is it? It’s similar to New Year’s Resolutions – uncomfortable to make and harder to stick to. I’d like to offer some support. Now I’m not Mrs. Claus, but my colleague Shelley Lanier, MA, PCC has some insight on this that I’ve shared with clients. It’s a delegation strategy that offers a path forward.
- Set a Clear Goal
I want to have one day a week where I have no meetings, nothing urgent, and the freedom to get stuff done without interruption.
OR
I want an opportunity to rise above the weeds and consider where my organization is going.
OR
I want to consider where I am going, and where I might grow. I need to solve my organization’s biggest problem. - Establish boundaries or conditions to support this goal.
I will establish “No Meeting Wednesdays” to create thinking and working space in my calendar. - Set Agreements
We agree that Wednesdays are No Meeting and DND (Do Not Disturb) days. My door remains closed, or I am off campus. You, as my leadership team, are fully capable of handling any urgent situations that arise. - Monitor Accountability
I have weekly standing huddles (literally) on Tuesdays with my leadership team. They are 20 minutes long, where my team shares what they have accomplished since we last met, what needs to get done, anything that is hot (urgent), and ask for help where needed. This is also where we establish priorities for the DND Day, discussing key delegated tasks or projects while I’m unavailable. - Consider the Consequences
What are the consequences for me and the organization if I don’t find time to think strategically or work on my priority list?
Some or all these elements might support you as you fulfill your holiday wish. Take time to consider how you might give yourself the gift of time…it’s about creation, delegation, and how you choose to walk into 2024.
On a personal note, I am most grateful for you dear readers, colleagues, and friends. Each of you matter in this world. Your work, your energy, and your leadership are the fabric of our communities, the organizations we serve, the company we keep, and families we create. Wishing each of you the merriest of holidays and a New Year filled with joy, impact, and big, hairy, audacious dreams! Cheers!
Impeccable timing for this subject – of course. Thank you (and Shelley) for this.
I appreciate you for your generous spirit to share all your wisdom and guidance.