Ed Manfre is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Heidrick & Struggles and a member of the company's consulting branch.
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If you’re a leader continuing to navigate these unprecedented times, some days you probably feel like your gas tank is nearing empty. You’re not alone. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, 82% of leaders reported exhaustion as they experience “extraordinary strain” on their ability to adapt to the pace of change.
It’s been said that leaders should “manage their energy, not their time” because, theoretically, if you manage your energy well, you can get more done. While I generally agree with this philosophy, it ignores the reality that many leaders spend a lot of time interacting with others in meetings, trainings and site visits. Often, your time is not your own because of these preplanned pieces of your day.
It’s time to recalibrate so you can channel energy into the work that matters most: strengthening your leadership shadow and delivering results.
I’ve written about the importance of owning your time and managing your energy. Now, this article will help you unlock greater performance and impact on others by applying these ideas simultaneously. So buckle up!
The LCD Method For Energy Management
My lowest common denominator (LCD) method for time and energy management is about using your time advantageously. It requires finding ways to structure your day so that, when the storm comes your way, you have built-in stabilizers to ensure you get what you need.
With this approach, you start, advance and end your day with nonnegotiable shock absorbers designed to elevate your feelings of self-control and self-worth. You’re not adding time to your day. You’re using the time you’ve already got in a better way.
Launch Your Day (Total Time: 30 minutes)
We start by following the words of author C.W. V. Straaten: “Win the morning, win the day.” Your days need a consistent on-ramp. Why? So that no matter what the day brings later, you start off in control. Additionally, research shows you will reduce stress and increase overall feelings of well-being and productivity.
Craft an experimental 30-minute plan to jumpstart your body, brain and emotions. For example, you can engage in 10 to 15 minutes of exercise, review your goals for the day and grab some early morning sunlight. Choose an activity to target each category, turn it into a 30-minute routine and do it for seven days. You won’t look back.
Conquer Your Day (Total Time: 60 minutes)
For the past three years, I’ve had a daily 60-minute block on my calendar. Most days, I designate the slot early in the morning when my energy and focus are highest (you may be different). The block is dedicated to one thing and one thing only: my most important task for that day. (I used one block to write this article!) No matter what my day brings, I try and stick to this block, even if I have to move it or split it into segments throughout the day.
I adopted this from entrepreneur Sahil Bloom’s 3-3-3 Method, as he proposes that having dedicated time to focus on the most impactful tasks is the best way to make progress on a daily, weekly and monthly level. If you set aside time every day to chase this outcome, you will unleash self-confidence and increase your energy. If you're not sure where to start, ask yourself, "What is the one thing that, if I got it done, my day would feel like a success?"
This tactic has proved so successful for me that I’ve now upped it to 90 minutes when possible!
Close Your Day (Total Time: 30 minutes)
The day’s final shock absorber is envisioning a successful tomorrow.
Why reflect on tomorrow? Author James Clear writes that creating a list the night before effectively eliminates the most common barriers to unleashing your energy for work that matters. It's a simple strategy that encourages you to make decisions, which will reduce the friction that can come with not knowing where to start.
Identify three things—including your most important tasks—that will make you feel like the day was well spent once you accomplish them. The benefit of this step can be hard to grasp just from reading about it. But those who’ve successfully implemented it know just how emotionally stabilizing and energizing it can be.
More Energy And Progress Start With You
Many leaders I coach go through periods when things feel like they’re out of control. In those moments, it helps to have a consistent approach that can get and keep things on track. Once in place, it will benefit you for years to come.
By flexibly applying my LCD method, you can create the stabilizers needed to transform from a redlined, empty-tanked machine to a finely tuned motor working at its best.
What will you be able to achieve with more energy for the things that matter most?
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