By Bizwatch Nigeria Limited,Boluwatife Oshadiya
Copyright bizwatchnigeria
Running a business or leading a team can feel like you’re constantly putting out fires while trying to build a bonfire. Your schedule? It’s more like a puzzle where pieces keep shifting. But here’s the kicker: those at the top don’t just survive this chaos—they thrive in it.
They’ve got tricks up their sleeves that turn overwhelming days into manageable ones. And no, it’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. If you’re an executive staring down a packed calendar, these seven techniques might just change how you approach your time. Let’s break them down, one by one, and see why they’re game-changers.
Time-Blocking Like It’s Sacred
You know how some mornings you hit the ground running, and others feel like wading through mud? That’s where time-blocking comes in. Executives treat their calendars like holy ground, reserving chunks for specific tasks. Take Jeff Bezos—he used to save his sharpest thinking for early hours, pushing routine stuff to later. It’s not just about meetings; it’s carving out space for strategy or even quiet reflection. Picture your day as a garden: without fences, everything overruns. By blocking time, you protect what grows your business. Sure, emergencies pop up, but with blocks in place, you bounce back faster. And honestly, it reduces that nagging guilt when you finally log off.
The Two-Minute Rule
Ever had those tiny tasks that linger like uninvited guests? David Allen nailed it in his book Getting Things Done with the two-minute rule. If something takes under two minutes—signing off on an expense, shooting a quick response, or passing along a note—handle it right then. Executives love this because it clears the mental clutter. No more inbox avalanches or forgotten follow-ups eating into your focus. It’s simple, but that’s the beauty. You might think, “I’m too busy for this,” but skipping it just creates bigger messes. Pair it with a solid task app like Todoist, and watch how your day smooths out. A little discipline here pays off big time.
Ruthless Delegation
Delegation sounds easy until you’re the one handing over the reins. But top leaders know it’s essential—it’s like building a machine where every part runs smoothly without you cranking every gear. The key? Trust your team. Assign tasks clearly, give them the tools, and step back. If you’re hovering over every detail, you’re not leading; you’re hindering. Think about it: Warren Buffett delegates so much that he focuses on big-picture investing. A mild contradiction here—some say delegation risks mistakes, but those slip-ups often teach more than perfection ever could. Explain why you’re passing it on, and you’ll build loyalty too. It’s emotional, yeah—letting go feels vulnerable—but it frees you for what only you can do.
The 80/20 Lens for Decision-Making
Not everything on your plate deserves equal attention. That’s the Pareto Principle in action: 20% of your efforts yield 80% of the results. Savvy executives scan their to-do lists through this lens, zeroing in on high-impact stuff like sealing deals or innovating products. The rest? Delegate or drop. Saying no becomes your superpower—it’s tough at first, like turning down dessert when you’re starving. But it prevents overload. Elon Musk applies this by focusing on core missions at SpaceX and Tesla, ignoring distractions. Here’s a tip: review your week Fridays, asking what truly moved the needle. It might surprise you how much “busywork” sneaks in. This approach isn’t just logical; it brings a sense of calm amid the storm.
Shorter Meetings, Sharper Agendas
Meetings: the black hole of productivity. We’ve all been in those endless ones where tangents rule and nothing gets resolved. Forward-thinking executives flip the script by capping them at 15 or 30 minutes, armed with tight agendas. Outcomes are king—end with action items, not vague promises. Some companies, like Basecamp, even ditch meetings on certain days for uninterrupted work. You feel the difference immediately: more energy for execution, less drained from chit-chat. Imagine treating meetings like quick huddles in a game—get in, strategize, get out. If a topic veers off, park it for later. This keeps things crisp and respects everyone’s time, including yours.
Technology as a Silent Assistant
Tools aren’t just gadgets; they’re your behind-the-scenes allies. From Calendly automating bookings to apps like Otter.ai transcribing calls, tech handles the grunt work. Executives who lean on these cut down on mental fatigue—think AI sorting emails or reminding you of priorities. Microsoft’s Copilot, for instance, can summarize reports in seconds. But beware: if you’re drowning in notifications, dial it back. Tech should whisper advice, not shout demands. A quick story—I’ve heard leaders say switching to one dashboard app like Notion transformed their workflow. It frees your brain for creative leaps, not rote tasks. And in a world buzzing with updates, that’s golden.
Protecting Personal Time Without Guilt
Finally, the one that hits home: boundaries. High-achievers like Richard Branson start days with kitesurfing, or Indra Nooyi made family dinners sacred. It’s not selfish; it’s sustainable. Without recharge, your decisions suffer, and so does your team. Block evenings for walks, hobbies, or nothing at all. Guilt creeps in— “Shouldn’t I be working?”—but push through. Exercise boosts clarity; rest sparks ideas. In fall, with holidays approaching, it’s even more crucial to guard this time amid year-end rushes. Leaders who do this model balance, inspiring others. It’s the foundation for everything else.
So, wrapping this up, these techniques aren’t magic—they’re habits honed by those who’ve been there. Start small: try time-blocking tomorrow, or enforce that two-minute rule. You’ll notice the shift. Time management for executives? It’s less about clocks and more about choices. Make yours count, and you’ll lead not just effectively, but with some spark left over.
