Stop fighting fires - start leading
Ever feel like no matter how hard you work, there just aren’t enough hours in the day? I used to be in that exact spot—juggling endless tasks and wondering if I’d ever catch a break.
As leaders it can be super easy to get stuck in Task Mode. This is where we are tackling a never-ending to do list, going from task to task without taking the time to switch into...
Leader Mode where we actually take a step back and think about what is really going to move the needle and not just put out fires all day. This might mean reflecting on why your team haven't seemed super engaged lately, or taking the time to plan out some development opportunities for a high-performer. This is the big-picture thinking we often don't make time for.
The problem is that not making time for Leader Mode means we will never work on the most important tasks which aren't urgent. This means over time our team don't get better and more engaged, and we have even less and less time for Leader Mode.
This is a vicious cycle it can be hard to get out of.
The solution?
Schedule Your Power Hour.
Block out one uninterrupted hour each day solely for strategic thinking. It’s a small tweak that helped me shift from endless firefighting to making impactful decisions. Ask yourself set, strategic questions such as "What is the single biggest thing I could do today to have an impact?"
Here’s how I did it:
Set a specific time: Early in the morning, right after lunch or whenever works best for you.
Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications, close your email, and focus on one big decision or strategic planning session.
Reflect on your wins: Use this time to review what’s working and what could be improved in your leadership approach.
I know it’s not always easy to carve out that time—trust me, I’ve been there. But once you start, you’ll notice a shift in how you manage your day and lead your team. Because, let’s face it - when we are stuck in Task Mode, this often comes at the expense of what’s most important, our people.
