As a manager, feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially when the demands of the job seem to pile up at specific times during the month.
With back-to-back meetings, deadlines always just around the corner, and constant deciding, no wonder you feel like you’re drowning in responsibility.
What’s frustrating is that often managers feel they have to carry everything on their own, when in fact, it’s perfectly okay to seek help or use the tools and strategies that are out there to lighten the load.
The good news is you can regain control of your workload, reduce stress, and become a more effective leader. Here’s how:
1) Prioritize Tasks with the 80/20 Rule
Not all activities equal success. Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) predicts 20% effort to give 80% of outcomes. Discover activities that are high impact and concentrate on high-value activities that drive a meaningful needle shift. Delegation or outsource low-value activities that consume time but provide limited returns.
2) Master the Art of Delegation
Most managers are afraid to delegate because they do not want to lose control. But having control of everything results in bottlenecks and stress. Great leaders empower others by delegating based on strengths. This not only provides time for strategic thinking but also improves team morale and skill development.
Even though delegating makes a manager’s workload easier, it is also important to keep in mind not to mindlessly assign tasks. An effective delegation will enhance overall team productivity, build trust with the team, and also reduce burden for both the manager and the team.
3) Stop Chasing Perfection
Perfectionism is a performance killer. High standards are wonderful, but overemphasizing details makes you slow. When the job has reached its quality standards, move on instead of thinking to make it better than it is. Think of other tasks that you need to finish too, especially when there are tight deadlines around the corner.
4) Take Intentional Breaks for Peak Performance
Human brains tend to be in a saving mode unless there is a reason for them to stay alert or in an active mode. In fact, there are many productivity techniques that help someone to rest so that they could work efficiently.
For instance, the Pomodoro Technique with 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break is useful for a short burst of work. Meanwhile, 90 minutes of deep work requires a 15- to 20-minute break. Also, do not forget to replenish your body with water to maintain hydration throughout the day for energy.
5) Set Boundaries to Protect Your Time
In a time where we are constantly bombarded with notifications from mobile phones, personal time is needed to maintain focus. To find balance, set suitable work hours and communicate them with your team.
Then, put on silent notifications outside of designated hours and schedule for “deep work.” When your time is protected from other distractions, work performance can be improved.
6) Leverage Technology Wisely
Productivity software like Asana, Trello, and Notion can streamline workflows, but only use a few so that it won’t feel much more overwhelming. Put importance to tools that truly make your focus, work flows, communication, decision making and managing stress easier.
By employing these manager productivity hacks, you can transform how you work, increase efficiency, and reduce stress. Leadership is challenging, but with the right approach, you can lead with clarity, confidence, and balance.
