Creating the conditions for Service with a HUG to happen naturally
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I’ve never been a natural ‘multi-tasker’. It seems that I’m made in such a way that I’m only capable of doing one thing at a time.
For instance, when I’m driving somewhere new, trying to work out which turnings to take, what signs to follow, I can’t have any music playing in the car. I find that it distracts the mind. What’s that about?
And yet, in business, we believe that we need to be good at multi-tasking.
Another thing I notice about the business world is many managers are trying to go fast. And they’re also expecting their team members to go fast.
It seems to me that if we’re trying to go fast at the same time as we’re looking in a number of different directions, things aren’t going to work so well. We’re likely to experience being over-extended. That could easily lead to rushing into doing the first thing we think of. Which may not always be the best course of action.
Ever regret sending an email that was written and sent in haste?
Yeah, me too.
What if there’s another way?
Hint: there is.
I’ve mentioned in previous articles the coaching I received from Steve Chandler. One of the things he showed me was that, even when we think we are doing several things at once, when we break it down, we are actually only doing one thing at a time. It might be that we’re flitting rapidly from one thing to another. But really, in each present moment, we’re just giving our attention to a single thing.
I read (devoured) a book by Cal Newport called ‘Deep Work’. In it, he talks about when we remove distractions and interruptions, the quality of the work we produce increases exponentially.
As you read these words, your mind will possibly offer reasons why this is not possible in your particular case. Just notice the story that the mind is running. There could be something for you to question. A question such as ‘Is that really true?’ works well for me. Another one is ‘What else is possible?’
I used to believe that by cramming my calendar and multitasking, I was maximising my efficiency. Yet, it became clear that the frantic pace was actually slowing me down.
I’ve notice that when I hurry, mistakes often happen. Sometimes it would be overlooking details or miscommunication, and often I would need to re-do the tasks I rushed through the first time. Think about the last time you rushed a project or conversation.
- Did you find that you needed to go back and correct mistakes?
- Did you feel less than satisfied with the outcome?
Imagine how things might have gone if you had taken a deep breath, placed your attention in the present moment and calmly moved through the task.
How might the results have been different?
Recruitment
Steve Chandler invited me to focus my clients on their hiring process.
How often do leaders rush through interviews, eager to fill positions quickly?
This haste often leads to hiring a person who isn’t a perfect fit. This in turn creates a cycle of constant recruiting, retraining, and managing personnel issues.
Could it be that spending more time on the recruitment process reduces these long-term headaches?
When we slow down to truly understand a candidate’s fit for our team, we build a stronger, more cohesive culture that requires less maintenance over time.
The same principle applies to almost any task. Whether it’s drafting a report, planning a strategy, or simply listening to a team member, rushing usually leads to sub-optimal outcomes.
By contrast, slowing down allows us to engage more fully, think more deeply, and ultimately create work of higher quality.
The Power of Saying ‘No’
Saying no doesn’t always feel natural for me. I like to accommodate others whenever possible. And yet, I’m also aware that part of the practice of slowing down is learning to say ‘no’. It seems that many leaders feel compelled to say yes to every request, believing this will help them manage more effectively.
However, constantly agreeing to more tasks than we can handle leads to overcommitment and burnout. Instead, try setting boundaries and being selective about where you invest your time and energy.
If you can’t give a task or a conversation the time and attention it deserves, isn’t it better to reschedule rather than shoehorn it in?
Some managers feel that they need to be fully available at all times, even when they’re in meetings. You can spot these people by how often they check their devices for messages. And by how un-present they are!
Challenging the Rush Culture
Imagine a workplace where leaders don’t rush from one task to the next, barely catching their breath. Instead, they approach each task with focus and calm. They are fully present in meetings, listening attentively and responding thoughtfully.
- What kind of culture could that create?
- Would employees feel more valued and engaged?
- Would the quality of work improve?
In a culture that glorifies busyness, it might feel counterintuitive to slow down. Yet, the benefits of doing so are profound. When we rush, we create a frantic, stressful environment. People feel pressured, undervalued, and stressed. When we slow down, we foster a more thoughtful, supportive, and productive workplace.
The Human Side of Leadership
You know that leadership isn’t just about hitting targets and meeting deadlines; it’s also about understanding human nature and fostering positive relationships.
- How often do you pause to consider the emotional state of your team members?
- Do you create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued?
- Or do your actions, however unintentional, contribute to stress and anxiety?
Practical Steps to Slowing Down
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing things more thoughtfully. Here are a few practical steps to incorporate a slower, more mindful approach into your leadership:
- Prioritise Your Tasks: Focus on what’s truly important, not just what feels urgent.
- Be Present: Give your full attention to one task or conversation at a time.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no or delegate tasks that don’t require your direct involvement.
- Listen Actively: Focus on understanding the merits of others’ ideas rather than immediately forming counterarguments.
A Call to Reflect
So, next time you find yourself caught in the rush, ask yourself:
- What am I gaining by hurrying through this?
- What might I be losing?
- Could slowing down – even just a bit – actually help me (and my team) move forward more effectively?
By embracing a slower, more deliberate approach, you can transform not just your leadership, but the entire culture of your department or company.
Remember, it’s not just about what you accomplish, but how you accomplish it. And sometimes, the best way to get ahead is to slow down and enjoy the journey.
That’s it for now. Wishing you all the best,
Andy
Visit the blog for previous articles:
- Introduction
- What you focus on grows
- The power of appreciation
- What do you expect?
- Agreements
- It’s a journey
- Distraction
- Conflict
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