One of FutureSYNC’s foundational mantras is, “Be careful what gets your attention, it will get all your time, energy and focus.” Time is an executive’s greatest resource – and the best possible use of it should be a primary objective. What do the experts say about distraction and the poverty of attention?
In an article for LinkedIn titled, “The Secret to Time Management” (2015), Daniel Goleman, an award winning author on leadership principles, suggests that, “The big challenge for attention is sorting out what’s urgent right now from what’s just a distraction. Every time you pay attention to an email, a text, a phone call, you’re turning over your attention to someone else’s agenda. It means you’ve lost that time for yourself.
When you’re interrupted, practice asking yourself: Can this wait? Can I put it aside? You’ll find that the answer is almost always yes. Leaders need the capacity to decide what matters now and then make that clear with a strong sense of goodwill. Tell people, kindly, I’ll get to that, but not just now.”
One of the most effective techniques for prioritizing and avoiding unproductive distractions is establishing your three primary purposes. By documenting them, printing them out and then putting them on your wall, computer or desk top, you will form a positive, prioritization mental model. Be specific and succinct in your descriptions. Example: A classroom teacher’s three primary purposes could be – 1) I keep my students emotionally and physically safe; 2) I am responsive to the students and families that I serve; and 3) I provide quality learning opportunities to my students.
Can you imagine having your three primary purposes in front of you as you work and travel? When the distractions happen and your organization’s tunnel of chaos begins (and it will) – you have guideposts in front of you that – informed by your standards – will lead you to the light at the other end.