Insights 22: Time is ours to burn

Edition 22:  14 September 2022

Thoughtful quotations:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to go to the forest to gather wood, saw it, and nail the planks together. Instead, teach them the desire for the sea.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Context for reflection:
Although we bemoan how busy we are, research and practice show that many managers are ineffective at managing time. The Harvard Business Review finds that only 10% of managers are effective in using time. Based on this research HBR designed a Time Matrix that clarifies how we get there and two characteristics essential for managing this scarce, Focus and Energy.

Leaders can harness the characteristics of focus and energy, but it requires more than assessing how people perceive the broad meaning of their work, the challenges they face, and the degree of autonomy they enjoy. The goal will not be achieved by pulling “HR levers”; it can only happen with vision, oversight, and commitment from leaders.

The research shows that where leaders drive with focused energy, they win. The need to act must be compelling, a call to real and immediate action, around something that matters to the organisation and its people.

To do this, requires purging deadening busywork and loosening formal procedures. Where leaders present a challenge, where contributions of the team are essential, and people feel needed. When asked our opinions, we are emboldened. Sustainable results are achieved through leaders that challenge and choose, direct their energy toward a clear and exciting focus. 

When we harness energy and focus, we are open to thinking and finding our way to the sea! ??

A few question to contemplate:

• Is your focus on your big picture? Is your focus aligned / given space within the corporate thinking?
• Are you in a space where your energy is tapped to its full potential?
• Do you apply approaches that help to control and guard your time?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Master your leadership, attend the Insights Leadership programme 2022. Attend the Time Squeeze and become a master of your time.

Andrew Pons

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