What your calendar says about you…
I recently had an experience of going through my 5-year calendar history to record travel history for immigration. I was enlightened by the learning gained from such a review. Taking a step back and reflecting on how I spent my time as a Corporate leader got me thinking about how I, and many leaders that I have observed, could benefit from a check-in on the impact of our choices.
Our calendar is just that… a reflection of the way that we choose to spend our time. I often hear many leaders talk as if they are not in control of their schedules or calendars. If we as leaders are not in control, then who is?
If you are interested to see where you are, I encourage you to take 30 minutes to look at a month’s worth of your time and make some observations. Below are a few thought starters:
How full are your days?
Where are you spending the majority of your time? With your team members, peers, customers, or boss(es)?
Are most meetings scheduled by you or by someone else or balanced?
Do you allow yourself time to focus on important deliverables requiring your best brain power, “reactive time” for unplanned priorities that come up, or interacting with colleagues outside of meetings?
Do you spend any time externally networking in associations or groups, meeting with customers, or going into the day-to-day business?
I discovered a few observations. While some of these findings may have been past hunches, the exercise of calendar review caused me to take a “look in the mirror” at the choices that I made.
I remember having a calendar that was filled with meetings 8-9 hours a day. So “think time” and unplanned things brought me into late days and frankly I was not my best self. I had the fortunate experience of working with a very proactive administrative assistant who suggested that I block some meeting-free time each week. She would sit with me weekly and we’d plan these blocks. Within weeks, I felt more productive.
At one point in my career, I did not prioritize external networking. I gave myself the excuse of being too busy with internal matters. Having interactions and experiences outside of our own area of responsibility are essential to stimulating ideas, being aware of trends impacting our work, and renewing our energy when we are busily working in the day-to-day. I have myself, and observed many other leaders, become mired in their jobs and lose sight of this important development.
So …what might your calendar say about you? Are your priorities and leadership objectives aligned to where you spend your time?
This exercise helps you gain insights that enable you to become more deliberate with your time and align your calendar to your leadership priorities. Our individual leadership is a culmination of behaviors and habits. As leaders we need to balance our time and see a broader perspective – there’s no more important job of a leader.
Looking to make some shifts? If you want to further discuss and explore, let’s talk!
Bree Ranieri
Leadership Coach and Co-Founder Cotalent