Good leaders stop managing their time!

This might seem counter-intuitive, but think about it with me...

Do you find yourself running at an even more frenzied pace every year? I do.  So, as I looked at my bottomless to-do list and deadlines fast approaching I did a Google search on “time management”.  I got 1,610,000,000 search results. Clearly a lot of us are searching for ways to manage time better.  As I read through the various tips, I realized that our obsession with managing our calendars has actually resulted in our calendars managing us.  I realized that my perspective that I am time-starved is actually stopping me from being effective as a leader.

Many of us are stuck in a perspective that how we manage our time determines how effectively we lead or how effectively we live our lives.  Maybe this can help you.

The Greek philosophers identified time in two aspects: Chronos (chronological or calendar time) and Kairos (the ever present “now”). “Kairos” according to Wikipedia is defined as “a passing instant when an opening appears which must be driven through with force if success is to be achieved.” In our time-starved perspective we have forgotten about the abundant quality of “kairos”.

If all we manage to is chronological time (i.e. what’s next on the calendar) we actually give up the “kairos” qualities of time that make leading most effective – being fully present to the opportunities in the present moment. There are many things worthy of our time that in our “time-starved” perspective we feel we can never carve out time for. A different perspective to explore is to “carve-in” to our existing time the qualities of being that help us be more effective.

It is interesting that Jesus almost never did what others expected Him to do, but He was always at the right place, doing the right thing at the right time. Consider his discussion with the teachers in the temple when he was 12 years old, or his conversation with the woman at the well or his delay in coming to see Mary and Martha when Lazarus was sick.

Luke 2:46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

He certainly made the most use of every moment to serve and care for others while accomplishing the will of his Father. His time was limited but he was not limited by his time. Here are some qualities to manage instead of time.

Manage Connection

Our focus on getting to the next meeting or the next task on our to-do list stops us from truly connecting with one another. Being present to what is going on right now with people (teammates, customers, or bosses) allows us to connect at a deeper level with their motivations. Our ability to connect and influence others is a key driver of our leadership. 

Manage Stress

Our rush to get our activities accomplished generates stress within us, which leads to more stress around us. Our stress is contagious.  The best decisions are made when we manage our stress levels in the present moment. The greatest creativity happens when there is an environment that is supportive rather than stressful.  It’s our job as leaders to create that environment.

Manage Focus

In our frenzy to get lots done we believe multitasking is the way to go. Not so.  Many studies have shown that multitasking adds to our stress levels. Studies also show that being fully focused on one task without a lot of mental commentary is what also contributes greatly to being happy.

Manage Listening

Often as we listen to others, we have our own internal dialogue or we’re impatiently waiting to speak. The ability to fully listen to the words and underlying emotions of an individual are compromised when our minds are racing because the clock is racing. When we listen openly, people talk. The best decisions are made when all perspectives are heard.

Manage Perspective

Our perspective represents the place we make decisions from and act from. Our perspective is our truth, not necessarily the “Truth” and often comes from past experience.  Are we present enough to look at the opportunities in the present moment to shift our perspective so better decisions can be made? Or do we go around with our minds firmly made up in the interest of efficiency and expediency?

This article was adapted by Paul Madsen from an article by Henna Inam at Forbes.com.