#5 The Fresh Outlook: Articles and insights for founders and teams
Monthly Newsletter
In this edition:
We often find ourselves navigating a delicate balance between effectively managing our teams and empowering them to reach their full potential. Through years of hands-on experience, I’ve witnessed the profound and often subtle impact that micromanagement can exert on the dynamics of an organisation. It’s in this context that I extend an invitation, not to criticise or lay blame on managers, but rather to stimulate a deep and introspective inquiry.
As someone who has worked closely with founders and teams across various industries and stages of growth, I have seen how micromanagement can stifle creativity, innovation, and collaboration. I have also observed how it can erode trust, confidence, and motivation among team members. On the other hand, I have also witnessed how giving team members more autonomy, flexibility, and ownership can unleash their potential and drive them to achieve remarkable results.
Consider the scenario where you, as a team member, no longer have a boss scrutinising every detail and decision you make. Picture a workplace where your autonomy is respected, and you’re entrusted with the freedom to navigate your responsibilities independently. How would your approach to leadership evolve in such an environment?
Reflecting on a future without micromanagement can serve as a catalyst for change. It encourages individuals to explore the boundless possibilities that can emerge when they are no longer subjected to micromanagement.
I believe that one of the most important skills for leaders is to empower their team members to take ownership of their work. This does not mean that leaders should abandon their role of providing guidance, support, and direction, but rather that they should trust their team to do their best and learn from their mistakes. So, what if you would not have that boss micromanaging what would you do differently? How would you feel about your work? What would you be able to achieve? How would you grow as a professional?
🔍 Reflection Point: Are You Giving Attention Management the Priority It Deserves?
As a founder or a member of a team, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of time management. We meticulously plan our days to ensure that every minute is dedicated to productivity and achieving our goals.
Over the years, and especially through my coaching work with founders and teams, I’ve come to understand the pivotal role that attention management plays. It’s not just about managing our time; it’s about directing our focus and energy effectively.
Why is this distinction important? Consider this: you can spend hours at your desk, ticking off tasks, yet feel unfulfilled. Why? Because you might have been physically present, but your mind wandered elsewhere. Time is a finite resource, and no amount of management can create more of it. The real magic happens when we learn to manage our attention.
Rather than merely going through the motions, we can choose to direct our focus towards meaningful and impactful work. Attention management empowers you to prioritise tasks that genuinely contribute to your mission. It’s about quality over quantity. Instead of striving to accomplish as much as possible, ask yourself, “Am I dedicating my attention to what truly moves the needle?”
Have you also noticed that when you manage your attention effectively, you are fully present in conversations, making others feel valued and heard?
Let’s not forget the impact on well-being. Burnout is an ever-looming threat. Endless time management can lead to exhaustion and stress. Through attention management, on the other hand, we intentionally seek periodic breaks and mindfulness. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and preserving your mental and emotional energy.
As you embrace this shift, remember that it’s not about eliminating all distractions or becoming a productivity machine. It’s about recognizing that some distractions are inevitable, but how you respond to them matters. Can you quickly refocus your attention on your task at hand? Can you find balance between work and rest?
So, I leave you with these questions: What steps can you take today to manage your attention more effectively? How can you ensure that your daily efforts are in harmony with your broader mission?
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