Showing Up as the Best Husband and Father While Leading at the Top
Michael O'Sullivan
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As a CEO, your day is a whirlwind of decisions, meetings, and tasks pulling you in multiple directions. It’s easy to feel like there simply aren’t enough hours to accomplish everything. But what if there’s a way to regain control and make time work for you instead of against you? Here’s how you can navigate your demanding schedule and reclaim your day.
The Unseen Costs of Being “Always On”
Many executives find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of back-to-back meetings, urgent emails, and last-minute demands. This reactive approach not only leads to burnout but also leaves little time for strategic thinking—a cornerstone of effective leadership. A packed schedule might feel productive, but it often obscures priorities and hampers decision-making.
Top Tip: Start by analysing your calendar for the past month. Identify tasks or meetings that could have been delegated, shortened, or eliminated altogether.
The Myth of Multitasking
It’s tempting to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. However, research consistently shows that multitasking decreases efficiency and increases errors. For CEOs, this habit can dilute focus and prevent meaningful progress on high-priority projects.
Top Tip: Practise single-tasking. Allocate specific blocks of time for deep work and avoid distractions during these periods. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus.
The Meeting Overload
Meetings can dominate a CEO’s day, often leaving no room for critical thinking or creative planning. While collaboration is essential, unnecessary or overly long meetings can drain energy and time.
Top Tip: Introduce a “no-meeting” day each week. For other meetings, set clear agendas, assign action items, and stick to strict time limits.
Prioritisation Paralysis
With so many demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Many executives struggle to distinguish between urgent and important tasks, leading to wasted effort on activities that don’t align with long-term goals.
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Top Tip: Adopt a priority matrix to categorise tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on high-value activities that drive results.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
While technology can streamline operations, constant notifications and updates can also disrupt workflow. CEOs often find themselves tethered to their devices, unable to disconnect and recharge.
Top Tip: Leverage tech tools that enhance productivity without adding noise. Consider apps like Trello for project management or RescueTime to track and optimise how you spend your hours.
Delegation Dilemma
Some leaders hesitate to delegate, fearing that others won’t deliver the same quality. This mindset often results in micromanagement and an overwhelming workload.
Top Tip: Build a trusted team and empower them with clear instructions. Delegation is not a sign of weakness but a hallmark of great leadership.
Reclaiming Your Time, One Step at a Time
Time management isn’t about cramming more into your schedule; it’s about making deliberate choices that align with your goals and values. By prioritising, delegating, and embracing strategies to optimise your day, you can reclaim control and create room for innovation and growth.
Quick Wins to Implement Today:
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