We have lots of moving parts.
I hear this phrase almost daily. It didn’t used to be that way of course, but the pace of work seems to have picked up each year. The use of technology in our lives (which I’ve completely adopted!) combined with an ever increasing workload means we have more projects and strategies simultaneously demanding our attention like never before.
Badge of Honor
For those in leadership positions the demands of the hyper-connected and “always on” world of work means we are constantly busy. Some people embrace that pressure in an almost martyr-like way proclaiming how busy they are at every available opportunity.
I’m not sure that’s a good idea though. I worry it inadvertently sends a negative message to those around us. Is the “I’m so busy message” actually sending a signal that you are not approachable? Are you subconsciously trying to avoid new projects or responsibilities?
Being busy is a good thing! Complaining about it…well…that’s not so good, even if you have convinced yourself that you’re simply acknowledging that you’re running at maximum capacity.
Parts Are Not The Whole
A different way to think about so many priorities in our lives is to appreciate that they are just that…lots of little parts. Small pieces can be managed, fixed, improved, reinvented, and delegated. Think about that for a minute. You do not have to do everything on every task at every minute.
Too often leaders fall into the trap of thinking they have to manage every little piece of the work on their own. Nothing could be further from the truth.
We have talented professionals on our teams. We have young people with tremendous potential who simply want the opportunity to do more.
We do not have enough time to play super-hero…but we do have time to think strategically and manage all of those moving parts.
How About You
Have you used the phrase “lots of moving parts?” If so, what are you doing about it? Simply saying that over and over will yield exactly zero progress. However, if you slow down for a minute, think strategically, and tap into your team you’ll watch those parts eventually turn into a well oiled machine.
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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