Working long hours is never fun, but it’s even worse when you’re trying to be effective while doing so. Leaders who work this way tend to get burned out because they don’t have time for themselves or their loved ones, which leads them to feel more starved than ever before.
The pace of life in the modern workplace can be intense. Leaders are expected to operate quickly while simultaneously being highly productive. Still, there is always an undercurrent or sense that things aren’t going quite right regarding work performance and impending burnout.
In 2011, Stavros Baroutas published his first book, ‘Leadership Today.’ which served as a guide for people in leadership positions. His second publication, “Conflict & Ethics: The Ethical Management in Present Times,” talks specifically regarding unhealthy internal competition alongside powerplays taking place within organizations today. His book “Practical Management” is based on the author’s life experiences and provides advice about being successful professionally and personally!
Recent studies show that leaders under stress make worse decisions, are less likely to persuade or inspire their team members (and may even harm them), and are more likely to be subsequently outperformed by other colleagues. When leaders are tired, they become less able to manage conflict and take decisive action. They also experience problems concentrating and thinking clearly. Their judgment becomes impaired, making it difficult to see what needs to be done to lead effectively.
Increasing Sustainable Productivity
A major problem with working too hard is unsustainable over time. Overworking can create an unbalanced lifestyle that leaves little room for self-care, family, and friends. It also creates a vicious cycle where the exhaustion from working too much makes it harder to work well, which then causes more fatigue. This is known as the “crash and burn” syndrome.
The solution to this problem is simple. Leaders need to learn how to manage their time better to get enough sleep and rest. If you want to keep your energy up, start with these tips:
1. Set realistic goals.
Don’t set yourself unreasonable deadlines. You need to take time to reflect on your progress. You should also allow yourself to take breaks during the day.
2. Prioritize.
Make sure that you don’t try to do everything at once. Instead, focus on one thing at a time. Don’t spread yourself thin and work until you collapse.
3. Make lists.
Keep track of what you need to accomplish each day and prioritize accordingly. Try not to let any tasks slip through the cracks.
4. Take care of your health.
Get enough sleep and eat healthy food. Lack of sleep can cause mood swings and make it harder to concentrate. Eat foods that will give you energy throughout the day, like fruits and vegetables.
5. Find ways to relax.
Take a break from work now and then. Go for a walk, take a bath, play with your pet, or go shopping. Whatever it takes, find a way to unwind.
Reducing Phantom Workload
It’s important to distinguish between work and non-work activities. Too many employees feel as if they’re constantly working, even when they’re off duty. Research shows that 40% of all workers spend at least 10 hours per week on email, calls, meetings, and other forms of non-productive activity.
The solution?
Keep your phone turned off, leave voicemail messages for the next day, and delegate tasks to others. Get rid of the things taking up your time, and you’ll find that you have more time to focus on what matters most.
For example, one study found that those who took five minutes each morning to write down three key priorities for the day were significantly more productive than those who didn’t. Another study showed that managers who spent 15 minutes each evening writing down three to four specific goals for the following day were more productive than those who did not.
Final Words
Work hard, but don’t burn out.
The modern world has become increasingly competitive, and companies are fighting for a market share. Leaders need to be highly productive and innovative to stay ahead of the curve. But productivity isn’t something that happens overnight.
It requires dedication and a willingness to put in long hours. However, that doesn’t mean that leaders should work themselves into a state of exhaustion. Leaders need to learn how to manage their time better to get enough sleep and rest. It’s essential to maintain balance and cultivate a healthy lifestyle.