In today’s fast-paced business environment, managers are often expected to accomplish more with fewer resources and under tighter deadlines. Distractions are everywhere, making it difficult to stay focused and productive.
Recently, a participant in one of our leadership programmes shared how he was juggling four or five projects while managing six team members. It’s a common scenario, but not exactly ideal for cultivating high-performing leaders.
If you're looking to boost productivity, here are three tried-and-tested strategies that always deliver results.
In the age of digital transformation, documenting your plan might seem old-fashioned, but it remains one of the most effective ways to stay productive.
Many managers mistakenly equate productivity with being constantly busy. They think that always taking action and filling every moment with tasks is the best way to get things done. However, this approach often backfires. Without a clear plan, you may find yourself in a chaotic loop of reacting to situations instead of proactively driving results.
A documented plan allows you to focus on what’s important, not just what’s urgent. Instead of bouncing between tasks and reacting to the latest email in your inbox, you have a guide to follow.
One medical science manager I know swears by a Friday end-of-week ritual. He sits down and reviews what he accomplished that week, reflects on his learnings, and identifies three key priorities for the upcoming week. This process not only provides structure but also helps him start each week with clarity and focus.
Email is one of the biggest productivity killers. A few years ago, there was a trend advising people to check their email just once or twice a day. While that sounds great in theory, it’s not always practical in the fast-paced corporate world.
Instead, a better approach is to organize your inbox using rules and folders. Whether you're using Outlook365 or Google Apps, both platforms offer tools that allow you to file, store, and retrieve emails quickly and efficiently. By implementing these simple rules, you can significantly reduce email anxiety and increase focus.
If you have admin support to help manage your inbox, fantastic. If not, dedicate some time to get organized. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can bring order to your inbox. A highly recommended read is "How to Be a Productivity Ninja", which provides actionable tips on email management and productivity hacks.
While we often focus on time management, energy management is equally—if not more—important. This is where the concept of rituals comes into play.
Rituals are simply habits that are designed to help you manage energy, stay productive, and avoid burnout. The idea is to create structured moments in your day or week where certain tasks are completed in a consistent manner. This could be as simple as regular project reviews or scheduled check-ins with your team.
Tony Schwartz, in his New York Times bestseller "The Power of Full Engagement", talks about how we live in digital time—our pace is rushed, relentless, and often overwhelming. In this environment, managing time alone isn’t enough. The real key to sustained high performance is managing energy, and rituals provide the perfect structure to achieve this.
Think of rituals like the routines you establish for children—set times for meals, play, and rest. It works because we are hardwired to thrive on consistency. Even as adults, we perform better when we have predictable routines in place.
In a world where managers are expected to juggle multiple projects while managing large teams, productivity can often feel elusive. But by implementing these three strategies—creating a documented plan, mastering email management, and establishing energy-boosting rituals—you can significantly improve your focus and effectiveness as a leader.
Many thanks,
Alex & The Excel Team
P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.
About Excel Communications
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.
We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.
View our case studies here.