Are You Overextended as a Leader?

Leaders are called upon to wear many hats and set the pace for their organization. Occasionally, during extra busy times, leaders may not realize that the pace they are setting is not sustainable for themselves or for others in their circle. They may not even realize that they have overextended themselves. Some tell-tale signs include altered sleep patterns, changes in temperament and preoccupation. Other symptoms may involve missing key deadlines or meetings, seeing a rise in interpersonal conflicts and finally, failing to make time for personal priorities.

When you notice these signs, it is time to step back and think about what you can do to restore balance to your schedule.

Some things that help me restore balance and I discuss in my coaching practice are:

  • Re-evaluate your priorities and consider how much time you are spending on your top 3. Think about what else has crept onto your list.
  • Consider postponing delivery on non-critical items and seek realignment with your board or executive leadership.
  • Delegate responsibility to other able leaders.
  • Evaluate whether you are doing other people’s work. If the answer is yes, coach, train or performance manage as needed.
  • Ask for help.
  • Let your stakeholders know that you are going through a busy time and share your needs with them.
  • Once you have reset your priorities, remember to share these with your team and refocus everyone on what is important. Help to lighten others’ loads too.
  • Carve out some time for personal renewal in whatever way works best for you – fun, family, friends, hobbies, personal solitude.

PREMIUM CONTENT: North America Internal Staff Survey 2020: Internal staff job satisfaction (or lack thereof), and what drives it

Reach out to me if you’d like to maintain greater balance – learning how to do this will help sustain your leadership practice.

Look for my other thoughts on leadership. LEAD WELL! 

Sandra Hokansson

Sandra Hokansson
Sandi Hokansson is a certified executive-level coach and principal of SoundLeadership. Reach her at sandi (at) soundleadership (dot) ca.

Sandra Hokansson

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