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“Crazy Busy” is a Trap
My perception and evaluation is that it’s not getting better but actually worse. Leaders are more busy and rushed than is reasonable or healthy. When you ask somebody how they’re doing, you’ll often hear: BUSY! Busy can easily. and quickly. become very tired and then burned out! Dan Rockwell has some simple and insightful ways to stop the train before it derails!
Guest Post by Dan Rockwell
Frantic busyness is expected in some organizations. In others, it’s a badge of honor. Busy all the time is crazy.
The “Crazy Busy” Assessment
- I usually feel on top of things.
- I wake up refreshed and excited for the day.
- I feel like things are falling through the cracks.
- I never take time to reflect on the results of my choices.
- The last time I spent a day unplugged was ____ weeks/months ago.
I’d make a longer assessment, but I don’t want to add to your busyness.
3 Warnings
Frantic schedules lead to shallow lives.
- Don’t confuse activity with significance. The busier you are the less fulfilling your life becomes. Significance, like deep relationships, takes time.
- Don’t invest in trivialities. The “fire fighter” leader misses the point.
- Don’t lose yourself (The greatest tragedy of all).
7 Ways to Overcome “Crazy Busy”
- Stop blaming others for your busyness. When did you become so helpless? Own it.
- Say, “Can it wait until this afternoon,” when someone rushes in with a crisis. Give space for people to solve issues on their own.
- Delegate repeated activities. Successful leaders become less, not more, essential.
- Prioritize. “Crazy busy” is leadership without priorities. What’s important today? What are your big rocks?
- Start saying “no” so you can focus on priorities, values, vision, and mission.
- Schedule a quiet day or weekend.
- Commit to build a legacy not a tragedy.
Labor to enter rest. Schedule it. Plan it. Execute on a rest initiative.
3 Quick Wins
- Take several short breaks during the day.
- Close the door to your office.
- Answer email at the top of the hour or once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
How might leaders manage frantic schedules?
What might you do today to reclaim sanity?
For all leaders who aspire to be better leaders, read, The Vagrant. It will transform the way you practice self-reflection.
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Frantic busyness is expected in some organizations. In others, it’s a badge of honor. Busy all the time is crazy.
The “Crazy Busy” Assessment
- I usually feel on top of things.
- I wake up refreshed and excited for the day.
- I feel like things are falling through the cracks.
- I never take time to reflect on the results of my choices.
- The last time I spent a day unplugged was ____ weeks/months ago.
I’d make a longer assessment, but I don’t want to add to your busyness.
3 Warnings
Frantic schedules lead to shallow lives.
- Don’t confuse activity with significance. The busier you are the less fulfilling your life becomes. Significance, like deep relationships, takes time.
- Don’t invest in trivialities. The “fire fighter” leader misses the point.
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