As a coach and facilitator, I’ve become convinced that everyone, regardless of their role, needs uninterrupted work time every day. When my clients get this dedicated work time, they’re more motivated and focused. However, uninterrupted calendar blocks are hard to design into your schedule.
Manage your expectations about what you can accomplish
On meeting-heavy days, she can’t effectively spend evening hours finishing her work
- When she improperly estimates her workload, she has to reset expectations with folks about what she can accomplish that day
- Lightweight meeting days allow her to get longer projects done that require more brainpower
Structure your work life to balance energy and goals
Know your internal clock
- Honor your chronotype
- Bucket your time
- Go off the grid
- Rely on peers
- Reflect
- Priorities can shift in a dynamic workday
- The goal is to balance work commitments, care for your team, and for myself
Build systems for these skills
Build a habit: Identify what you need to do to make this a reality and practice
- Communicate: Share your intention with your team and manager so they know when you’re available and why these steps ultimately help you all meet your goals
- Assess your work environment: Design your work to meet your role’s expectations and your colleagues’ expectations of you
- Work backward to address what is in your control
