I recently visited with a former colleague who worked in executive positions for technology companies. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics but at one point we were talking about leadership retreats and memorable moments we both had at various events and workshops.
I’m sure you can remember some of your own.
She told me about the life-changing moment she had at one event and how this influenced her to become an even stronger leader and decision-maker. Below is her brief and thought-provoking recap:
The workshop facilitator asked everyone in the room how they spent the bulk of their day. One by one participants answered, and the all-too familiar replies were given:
My friend remembered that she responded with “spending time with my team” as she indeed was engaged with her staff and their work, and that is a good thing. No one else gave that answer. And then another answer was given. “I spend most of my day thinking.” The room went quiet.
She said it was like the light switched on and everyone in the room – herself included – suddenly realized how little time of their day was spent THINKING.
Yes, much has to follow thinking – decisions must be made, actions must be taken, and you must be thinking about the right things (= your boundaries – and those three topics are all additional posts!) but I encourage you to take some time and consider (yes, that’s thinking..) your day and how much time you spend, not in distracted thinking but in directed thinking.
MOST people spend the bulk of their time reacting, starting by reading email and responding to texts. A potential result of this approach? Our productivity and sense of fulfillment decreases and our sense of overwhelm increases.
Do you have enough directed thinking time in your day? If not, what is the benefit of allowing yourself more? How will you boundary your distractions and add directed thinking time to your day?
One-on-One coaching can help you establish systems for directed thinking. Contact me to learn more.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Gigi
