The One Change Every Leader Should Make
Anne Laguzza
CEO | Speaker | Leadership Performance Coach | HR Expert | Rode my bicycle from San Francisco to LA | Unexpected
Sometimes the most obvious solutions are the easiest to overlook.? Recently, on a work trip, I stayed at an Airbnb that was minimalist in its style and function. While there, I noticed something about myself and my leadership from a distance. The longer I stayed, the less stressed I was AND the more creative and effective I became.?
I had only the essentials with me, which could have been frustrating, but what the house lacked in “things” it more than made up for in function. I never actually felt lacking. Being there with less, what I found was that I was free to focus more intentionally. I was able to accomplish more. I felt more creative in every aspect of my work. I gained more with less.?
I honestly didn’t want to leave!
Living and working minimally gave me insight into a principle I needed to apply immediately. I needed to take a real look at my processes and operations - everywhere. I needed to make this one change: to?simplify in a major way. And it’s worked.?
Even though my stay at the minimalist Airbnb is over, I’ve continued to live out the Simplify principle, and I’ve experienced the continued benefits of living and working in that way.
The Challenge Every Leader Has
A common challenge leaders have to leading their teams well is their never ending to-do lists and constantly full inbox. “I’m just too busy!” is the most common complaint I hear. Or, another, “My calendar is full of meetings. I just don’t have time.” Can you relate? I get it. But, this is why a dramatic change is so called for - if you’re a leader who wants to become better this?year. You need to simplify. How can you Lead, Listen to and Love Your People when the meetings and the tasks are overwhelming??
How to Simplify as a Leader
I challenge you to join me and get real at the start of this new year – it’s time to simplify. If you’re a leader who wants to improve and simplify, start with these 3 steps: ?
1.Cut the Unnecessary Meetings
Pull up your calendar. Be honest with yourself and answer these questions:
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Now with that list, commit to STOP having those meetings and attending them. FULL STOP. Simplifying your schedule is the first step to becoming more effective as a leader.?
2.Evaluate Your Team
Look at all your team members. Identify which team members you would not enthusiastically rehire TODAY. I realize that this might seem difficult or extreme, but objectivity and honesty is vital in order to lead your entire team well.?If there are people on your team currently that you would not enthusiastically rehire today, it’s time to put together a performance plan for them.?Then, make it a priority that by the end of January that person is meeting expectations, or they’re no longer a match for the team.Every team member should be someone who is adding value every single day.
3.Simplify Your To-Do List?
You know that your to-do list is too long. You know that there are tasks that could be delegated to other members of your team, but you just can’t seem to let go. It’s time to get serious about simplifying your to-do list.?
My coach, Craig Ballantyne, always says“A.D.E.: Automate, Delegate, Eliminate.”This is extremely useful advice for all leaders, especially when it comes to your to-do list.?Don’t hold back. Take a hard look at your tasks. Some tasks may have served you in the past, but if they’re no longer serving you or moving you forward, then you need to automate, delegate or eliminate ASAP.?The key to effectiveness and building a high performing team as a leader is to simplify. The fear of change can stop you, but I challenge you to keep going.
What will you simplify in 2025?
Need help simplifying in the New Year? Message me.
Lead ?, Listen ?? to & Love ? Your People,?
Anne