Lighten the Load

You're in a senior role for a reason - and it's not to spend your time doing work that others can do just as well, or perhaps better.

To lead sustainably and strategically, it's critical to examine what's on your plate and free up space to focus on where you can contribute the most value.

Yes, you can time block and use a range of productivity hacks, but I've found over many years for myself and my clients, that these don't move the needle significantly.

Because how you operate is born at a deeper level.

Ultimately, there are only a few ways to really move the dial on this, unless you want to keep working at this pace forever:

Do less

Delegate more

Automate/systemise/outsource

All can be met with a lot of internal resistance:

Doing less can feel lazy and strange, especially when hard work and adrenaline has long been your thing.

However, creating some space is critical to maintain energy, focus, stress levels, and to develop others and plan effectively. It also helps to get the important things done, and done well.

The pace at which you work is very habitual, so will take some time to shift.

Delegating more - Time, trust, quality, guilt are the big blockers with this one.

Remember, if you're not delegating, you're not developing others, a crucial role of leader. Book in space every week to delegate and check in.

Automating/systemising/outsourcing: How, what, who? These can feel like overwhelming questions when we're bombarded with new systems and tech options everyday.

Choose one task/project that will have the most impact, and it into your planning as a key initiative.

So, start by looking at what drains you that others would find easy.

Then, examine what only you can do, that feels easy, energising and high value. That's your unique brilliance.

Next, chose an approach above and push through the resistance to lighten your load, and watch the time and energy rewards compound over time.