Busy-ness in business.
I was once out for a lunch meet with a client CxO.
For such meetings, I usually prefer dinner over lunch. It allows you a longer window to have a relaxed conversation and connect more deeply, without the pressure of getting back to work and to your next meeting.
At this meeting though, I was pleasantly surprised by how unrushed this CxO seemed. This was a well respected, highly accomplished and no-nonsense leader known for getting things done.
It came out in the course of our conversation that for him, a personal measure of professional success was how much control he had over his own time. He was ruthless about managing his calendar - keeping only things that absolutely needed him and cutting out the rest. That allowed him to focus fully on things that really mattered. Our lunch meeting was one such and he had blocked ample amount of time for it.
***
This approach was in such stark contrast to what you see around everyday.
Busy-ness at work has become a subtle indicator of seniority and importance.
Many flaunt their jam-packed calendars as a status symbol.
Yes, there are days when, for reasons beyond one's control, a lot needs to get done and sorted before you can call it a day.
But if this happens day after day, there is a problem - with you. You are playing it wrong.
Afterall, isn't success all about minimising things that are 'beyond your control' and having more control over your most precious asset - time.
#business #success #leader #busyprofessionals #time #work