Efficiency hacks aren’t enough

Lately (ok, always), a lot of clients are wanting to explore how to get things done more efficiently and effectively, making time for higher value work – as I explored last week.

That’s splendid, of course, and definitely useful - but it only goes so far, because no matter how efficient and effective you get...

THE. WORK. WILL. NEVER. BE. DONE.

If your starting premise is how to get it all done, you’re on a hiding to nothing – it’s unachievable and you’ll keep feeling like you’re failing.

Try this... set up a simple spreadsheet with “Activity” in column A and “Time per week” in column B. Complete the spreadsheet with a realistic estimate of how long you spend on all your activities during a working week. Include admin, hallway conversations, transit between meetings – everything.

When you get to your maximum hours per week, stop. What work didn’t you get to? Now you need to prioritise – what makes it onto the sheet, and what doesn’t?

Here’s the main thing: even if your maximum regular hours is something absurd that will literally kill you, like 100, you STILL won’t be able to get “it all” done.

Now, pick a maximum hours that is workable and will leave you happy, healthy and fulfilled with your life in general rather than as just a working robot. Let’s say 40. Even 50...

What can’t you do? What will you prioritise? These choices are the real work of leadership.

The real work of leadership is choosing what not to do. If you need support making those calls and designing a workload that keeps you effective, drop me a note.

Until next week,

Madeleine

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

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