Avoiding derailers

Even with the best will in the world, leaders often get derailed.

A lack of preparation, unforeseen events, kowtowing to the last person who entered the room. We’ve all been there. So how do you avoid getting derailed in the first place?

Here’s a starter for 12:

  1. Set clear daily priorities

  2. Review your priorities throughout the day (shift happens)

  3. Use focused blocks of time (FBOTs)

  4. Set a deadline—with consequences

  5. Physically or digitally “close the door”

  6. Communicate boundaries early

  7. Batch communication

  8. Have a quick recovery ritual (make a brew, go for a walk…)

  9. Limit micro distractions

  10. Track your triggers—notice when you get derailed

  11. Protect your energy

  12. End each day with a reset

I’m currently using a combination of the above to help. And one of the biggest helps is to switch off all alerts and batch communication. This allows to maximise the FBOTs—with deadlines.

How do you avoid detailers? And what are you currently working on?

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