The Focused Leader: Avoiding Distraction and Getting It Done
Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Strategies for the Focused Leader
One of the most important leadership traits and qualities right now is FOCUS.
Without FOCUS the direction of the organization is scattered, people feel lost, and opportunities are wasted. FOCUS and INTENTION are where the magic will happen.
So, what is getting in the way of focus?
First, awareness. It will be hard to focus forward without awareness about whether you are okay with today, okay with today also being your tomorrow, or your next year, and so on.
Second, clarity. Knowing what you want, where you want to go, and the options to get there is the only way to lead towards the future you want to create.
Third, distraction. There are too many opportunities for our best business intentions to be sidetracked.
Assuming you are AWARE that things need to change, and you have CLARITY about what that looks like, let’s explore some ways to reduce distraction when working ON the business.
Overcoming Distractions
Explore strategies for reducing distractions and staying focused on the tasks that matter most. From ignoring external influences to setting boundaries with technology and social media, reclaim control of your time and energy to drive meaningful progress.
Ignore what Other People are Doing
Other people’s lives are essentially none of your business, despite the ways they may try to make it so. Everyone has an opinion, and you don’t need to ask for it, listen to it, or even let people have a voice in your life. Choose your mentors and coaches wisely.
Be Skeptical of the Stories People Tell you About Themselves
From my lens as an occupational therapist and a business and leadership coach, I can tell you anecdotally that people's lives are not what they seem. People that look particularly disabled might be significantly successful and people that look significantly successful might be on the verge of bankruptcy. You don’t know, and you shouldn’t know. Their story is their own and it doesn’t concern you. Free yourself of envy, judgment, and comparison.
Expand your comfort zone
If you are too comfortable in business, you are either in the success trap (warning, it doesn’t last) or doing business wrong. Growing in your work means being uncomfortable most of the time. Make your decisions on what is doable but always a bit scary. Stretch yourself.
Be Wary of your Social Media Behaviour
Social media has many positives, especially when learning and expanding your brainpower towards positive things. But using social media to compare yourself to others, to feel inadequate, or to waste oodles of time scrolling is a trap. Set limits for yourself or delete unproductive media accounts. You will thank yourself.
Do Not Disturb your Phone
My kids tell me I am “trash” at using my phone because my responses are not instant. But the truth is my phone lives in Do Not Disturb most of the time. It is on that setting overnight to protect my sleep, and I don’t want it distracting me during the day. The benefit of Do Not Disturb is that my emergency contacts can still get through by phone. So, if someone important really needs me, my phone will still ring. Want to know your phone habits? Check your screen time. How much time are you spending on your phone and where? What does your app usage tell you? Does your behavior need to change?
Look Inwards
What is distracting you? You can’t always blame others; good leadership creates a self-directed team. If that is not your team, take a breath, analyze the needs, and make it happen. Take ownership and responsibility for where your time goes and structure yourself and your environment to promote your ability to focus. This is about you, not everyone else
Finish Your Projects
There are visionaries and there are implementers. Your team needs both. When there is focus the vision happens and the project gets completed. Chasing the next thing before finishing the current thing will create chaos and confusion. It’s the opposite of clarity and will erode trust. Aborting projects before completion is okay if that is a conscientious decision and “good business,” but it's not okay if most of your projects are half-constructed and filed for “later.”
Own your Vision
It’s your vision. You created it. You want it. You are working towards it. Don’t let others dilute this vision. Hire and work with people who see what you are doing and are excited to participate. There is nothing wrong with challenge, dialogue, and contention in moving a business forward, but when others don’t support the vision, or share the values, it may be best if they move on
Try removing distractions from your day, either in full or in part. FOCUS on the projects and initiatives that are your business of tomorrow and that align with your vision. See the results.
