As an executive leadership coach and development professional, I'm passionate about empowering leaders to not just succeed, but to truly maximize their impact. No matter the industry or the size of your organization, leadership effectiveness is key, and it starts with self-leadership. It's about setting a powerful example that elevates everyone around you. And at the heart of that you’ll find productivity.
Let's be clear: productivity isn't just a business buzzword; it's the engine of efficiency. It's about maximizing what you put out for every bit you put in. It's about making the most of your most valuable resources: time and energy.
The Productivity Trifecta: Organization, Prioritization, and Time Management
I firmly believe that productivity isn't about working harder, it's about leading smarter, and that begins with leading yourself effectively. It's this powerful combination of three key elements:
- Organization: this is all about having a handle on your "stuff," both the physical and digital. As leaders, your organizational habits—good or bad—are highly visible. You must set the intention to make them good ones!
- Prioritization: this is about knowing where to direct your focus, what truly deserves your attention. It’s about aligning your values—and your value—to what matters most and where you can make the most meaningful impact.
- Time Management: and finally, there's execution—actually getting things done, and done well. Your ability to manage your time and deliver your commitments sets the tone for how everyone else uses their time.
As a leader, especially of a family-owned business, it's crucial to be self-aware. What's your organizational style: are you a planning pro, or do you prefer a more flexible approach? What are your priorities and where can you add the most impact? How effective are you in setting deadlines and sticking to them? Or managing your calendar? The key is understanding yourself and that allows you to create systems that support you and inspire your teams.
Why Productivity is a Leadership Superpower
Here's the truth: productivity isn't just about the bottom line (though that's definitely a welcome outcome!). It saves time, reduces stress, sparks creativity, and ensures deadlines are met. When leaders are productive, it sets a powerful precedent for the entire organization and contributes to greater success.
Declutter to Conquer (and Inspire!)
Let's talk about your workspace. Take a critical look at your desk or office and ask yourself, "How does this space feel? Does it energize my work, or does it drain my spirit?". Eliminate the clutter, organize what remains, and carve out a "recharge zone" for those essential breaks. Your environment communicates volumes to your team. That goes the same for your digital environment too.
Prioritization: Leading with Intention
Prioritization is where leadership truly shines. As I often emphasize, it's about “DEFYing the ordinary to unleash true potential.” To prioritize effectively, you must be crystal clear on your values, discern what's truly essential (and delegate the rest), set those goals, and minimize distractions.
Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix or the MoSCoW method are invaluable for categorizing tasks. And never hesitate to delegate (and let go)! It empowers your team and allows you to concentrate on the bigger picture. Your prioritization habits shape how your team manages their responsibilities.
Time Management: Taking Control of Your Day
Time management is a critical skill that directly impacts productivity. It's about consciously planning and controlling how you spend your time to achieve goals more effectively. Key strategies include making a plan in advance, setting time limits for tasks, eliminating or minimizing distractions, and taking short breaks to re-energize. It's also important to reflect on your time management habits and refine them as needed. Understanding your most productive and least productive times of day can help you schedule tasks for optimal efficiency. By mastering time management, leaders can model effective habits for their teams and create a culture of productivity within the organization.
Beyond the Trifecta: Communication and Goal-Setting for Sustained Success
Once you've nailed organization, prioritization, and time management, what else do you need to truly excel? Two crucial elements come to mind: transparent communication and strategic goal-setting.
- Transparent Communication: open and honest communication is absolutely paramount. It fosters trust, clarifies expectations, and prevents misunderstandings. Commit to providing feedback that's constructive and valuable—timely, specific, and balanced. As Brene Brown states, “clear is kind.” Your communication style molds the culture within your organization.
- Strategic Goal-Setting: transforming insights into actionable goals is where the magic truly happens. As I like to say, "A goal without a plan is just a wish". The SMART framework is incredibly helpful for setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Break down those ambitious goals into smaller, manageable milestones, and celebrate every victory along the way. Don’t forget accountability to support your efforts too. Your approach to goal-setting provides a clear roadmap for your team's success.
Your Next Steps to Elevate Your Leadership
Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination – and productivity is a core component of that journey. Begin by assessing your skills and abilities across organization, prioritization, and time management. Think about what’s working and what could be better for you. By noting your key takeaways and setting small, achievable goals, you’ll not only advance your self-leadership, but you’ll set powerful examples for the rest of the team too. Don’t forget to seek out an accountability partner, and never hesitate to reach out for guidance and support.
Tami Chapek, PCC
CEO and Founder | Executive Leadership Coach
WeInspireWe
If you are interested in topics that address leadership roles in your family-owned business, please join us at our Leadership Development monthly sessions that Tami facilitates. Contact Amy at adotts@familybusinesscenter if you have any questions about this group.
About the Author:
Tami Chapek is a passionate advocate for family businesses and a sought-after speaker and consultant on leadership development. With years of experience working alongside family-owned companies and major corporations, Tami understands the unique challenges and opportunities they face. She helps family business leaders define their authentic leadership style, build high-performing teams, and create a legacy that lasts. Tami believes that strong leadership is the key to unlocking the full potential of family businesses and ensuring their continued success for generations to come. She is committed to empowering family business leaders to embrace a "Leadership ReDEFYned" approach, fostering a culture of authenticity, efficacy, influence, and inspiration.