The Challenge of Staying Focused as a Leader

Leaders have many options on where they might focus their attention throughout the day/week. That includes everything from the most recent issue that has occurred, developing team members, rising costs, and more. Additionally, there are interruptions that pop up and derail our best intentions for focusing on priorities.

Attempts at multi-tasking and responding in time can make for a stressful and challenging day. Many leaders feel worn out by the constant pressure to be efficient and accomplish more. They find themselves in meetings where they are mentally distracted by a continual list of to do’s running in their minds.

Why Being Focused Is a Critical Leadership Skill

Being focused is a critical skill that has multiple benefits. First, being present in the moment and focused provides a strong connection with others. It communicates respect and places a high value on what they have to say or contribute. Active listening demonstrates a true interest in what they have to say, and allows others to feel heard.

Focus on What You Value and Prioritize

Further, being focused on what you value and prioritize allows for the best work to be accomplished. When we race from one task to the next or allow interruptions, it prohibits more complex thought, or creativity. The most valuable work that leaders do requires time for more in-depth analysis and implementation.

Focused Leadership Encourages Innovation and Collaboration

Being focused will also foster more innovation and collaboration. If leaders want to check tasks off their list, then multi-tasking is fine. However, generating excellent work, creating vision, and developing your team members require greater thought and focus. Whether in the short term or long term, being able to have focused time is critical.

Tips for Creating More Focus in Your Day

In today’s environment that seems to be much more difficult to achieve. Some tips to create that focus include:

• Set realistic timelines for achieving your priorities. Expecting results in very short time periods will lead to anxiety and rushed efforts.

• Block regular time for your highest priorities and hold yourself accountable to not using that time for something else.

• Really focus on who you are meeting with in the moment. Listen for clues to who they are, what motivates them, and any support they might need.

• Turn off devices that may interrupt in-depth planning and work.

• Breathe. In between tasks, leaders need to pause for even just a minute and breathe deeply, which will create a sense of calm and centeredness.

• Acknowledge that not everything will fit in your day. Saying yes to the most important things means saying no to others.