Managing Ourselves in Time and Balancing Work and Home (Part 1):

In the survey we previously discussed, approximately 40% of managers reported difficulties in balancing work and home life, while 22% struggled with time management, and another 22% experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, and nervousness.

These challenges are interconnected, with the demands of management roles often exacerbating time management difficulties. This can lead to negative emotions and further disrupt work-life balance, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to manage these pressures and enhance overall well-being and productivity.

A critical issue identified is inadequate time management skills. Managers often face immense pressure to deliver results and perform at high levels. They frequently feel compelled to tackle problems independently, underutilizing available resources such as their teams, budgets, and partners.

To address these issues, it is essential for managers to master fundamental organizational tools, such as effective meeting management, strategic time allocation, and leveraging team capabilities. These steps are crucial for improving efficiency and reducing stress. By refining these skills, managers can better navigate their responsibilities, leading to improved personal and professional outcomes.

The Delegation Problem

One common barrier many managers face is their reluctance or difficulty in delegating tasks. Often, managers feel that their role requires them to personally handle tasks rather than delegating them to others. Delegating effectively achieves several benefits: it signals trust in team members’ capabilities, preserves the manager’s role as a leader rather than a doer, and saves significant time.

We liken this to a ball game where tasks are like balls thrown from various directions; the manager’s job is to pass these balls to the right team members or to others in the organization. Sometimes, if there’s no one to pass the ball to, the manager must handle it themselves. Executing this strategy effectively usually results in more time for strategic thinking and planning, ultimately leading to reduced stress and anxiety.

In subsequent posts, we will discuss other ways to manage time more effectively.