Questions to consider.
- How much time do you spend in quadrant #4? Actually, track your time for a day and see what quadrant you spend most of your working day. I know today I have spent way too much time in quadrant #4, which is not good for the organization I work for, the people I work with, or me.
- How do you prevent interruptions? We all have them, but how do you minimize them? I am very interested in the concept of a no email workplace. Cognitively, emails are an incredible drag on your brain function and performance. Do you have systems in place on how to handle emails? How about other interruptions?
- How do you define a "crisis"? Better yet, what is the difference (in your mind) between a crisis and a mere interruption? My definition of a crisis has shifted dramatically since the pandemic. I have made a "reset" on what I really include in my definition of a crisis.
- Take 30 minutes a day (minimum) and savor your time in quadrant #2. Long-term planning, visioning, and goal setting are imperative for your own personal/professional growth and the growth of your organization and the people you lead. Find a time in the day to listen to a podcast, read a book, or just think. I do this every day. I have Evernote on all of my devices so I can capture all of the crazy ideas I get. For the next week, carve out space for your quadrant #2 time. Take notes on the ideas that come to you. At the end of the week, review your ideas and create a plan to pursue one of the ideas further.