Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Take Breaks
Want to be a more strategic, emotionally intelligent and better leader?
Take a break!
The pandemic has definitely changed the way we all work, I suspect some elements will be here to stay when (or if) we get back to some kind of normality. For example, I expect hybrid working to remain a staple of the working world.
The big surprise for many you who have lost their commutes is that instead of your days getting shorter, they have got longer; and instead of having less meetings, you have more, often back to back with no time for a bathroom break or to eat something.
One of the themes that Ascend’s executive coaches are seeing is that leaders are reporting cramped schedules, back-to-back meetings and little or no time to think.
How can you change that?
1. Put regular ‘thinking breaks’ in your diaries
This is not space for exercise or mindfulness (which are great ideas too!) but mini breaks between meetings to make more rounded considered decisions, build better relationships, take people with you and see the bigger picture - all of which helps you to become a better leader.
2. Have shorter meetings e.g. 20 minutes instead of 30, or 45 instead of 1 hour
This gives you a natural break to reflect on the outcomes of the meeting you just had, replenish your mind, take a bathroom break or grab some food.
3. Book a ‘thinking break’
We think nothing at all of booking back-to-back meetings but never think to just book time out of your calendar to just think. Use this time to consider the following questions about the next meeting/conversation:
Where does this next meeting fit into what the team and I are trying to achieve?
What would a successful outcome look and sound like?
How do I need to show up to this meeting (in terms of mood, demeanour, presence, talking versus listening) to get the result I want?
What do the other stakeholders want from the meeting/conversation?
How do I land my messages to get to that outcome in the best way possible?
If you can answer all these questions before you go into the next meeting, you are not only likely to have a more successful meeting/conversation, you are also more likely to need fewer meetings!
4. Take it one step further
The number of meetings you have in a week is not a sign of success or leadership ability, but having quality outcomes from your interactions, conversations and meetings is. One step further would be to consider these questions:
Do I really need to be in this meeting/conversation?
Who from the team should be in this meeting instead of me?
Given my current priorities and workload, is this meeting a high enough priority to have now?
What are the implications for me/the team/the organisation/the other party if the meeting is canceled?
Some of our clients have actually taped these questions above their desktops or laptops until they become habitual.
These are just some suggestions that we have made to our clients and once they put them into practice, they made a real difference.
At Ascend, our job is to work with leaders and teams helping them to achieve their goals, become better role models and more inspirational leaders, to navigate their way through challenges, to make better, more rounded decisions and, to leave a legacy of positivity behind them.
To find out more about how we can help you and your leaders become more strategic and emotionally intelligent, please contact us here or email christina.grieve@ascend.world.