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Less Busyness and More Reflection

Are you unrelentingly busy but not acting on purpose?

I was facilitating an emotional intelligence workshop yesterday. One of the executives was fairly stressed and was waking up in the middle of the night reflecting about work. I suggested that he might be less anxious and more productive and purposeful if he learned to take time during the day to breathe deeply and reflect and be present in the moment.

Are you frenetically busy or energetic and highly focused and productive?

The costs of unproductive busyness take a toll on both managers and their companies. Managers who identify strongly with their jobs tend to become frustrated or hurt when confronted with setbacks, criticism or mediocre performance. Continual unreflective activity has a direct effect on the profits of an organization and managerial morale, as it is ineffective and ultimately unsatisfying.

For example, frenzied managers often act in extremely shortsighted ways. Under extreme time constraints and the need to do more with fewer resources, they become adept at finding short-term solutions. As a consequence, they seldom take time to reflect, and neglect long-term issues.

Chronic procrastinators are generally recovering frenzied managers. Once they have learned that frantic, desperate actions are unsatisfying, many lapse into procrastination, losing energy and focus. It becomes all too easy for them to put off action altogether.

The Purposeful Manager

What distinguishes managers who take purposeful action from those who do not? Why are some managers highly energetic and focused, while others procrastinate, disengage or invest energy in unfocused busyness?

The tasks of managers are complex, requiring creativity and innovation. They often strive to meet multiple and conflicting goals, many times on long-term projects that require a sustained effort. Ambitious goals, high uncertainty and extreme opposition can seriously limit the ability of many managers to maintain focus.

When managers can make things happen under these conditions and when they consistently exhibit purposeful action they have learned to harness the power of their will.

Willpower is the force behind energy and focus, enabling managers to execute disciplined action. Even when uninspired by the work and tempted by other opportunities, purposeful managers maintain energy and focus through willpower. They are committed to achieving results and, no matter what, will not give up.

Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become a more purposeful and productive leader. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged with the strategy and vision of the company.

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Dr. Maynard Brusman is a consulting psychologist, executive coach and trusted adviser to senior leadership teams.

We provide strategic talent management solutions to select and develop emotionally intelligent leaders and lawyers.

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Dr. Maynard Brusman

Working Resources

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