Handling Time Effectively As A New Leader

Someone once told me that when I finally got in charge, I’d be handling time the way I wanted. This person promised me free time and freedom, essentially getting paid to do nothing. I was excited.

Then, I found out that when you are a leader, people expect a lot more from you. With leadership perks, a higher salary, and a role in calling the shots comes the need to make it make sense. In my first months as manager, I ended up working late every single day.

It was tiresome; I was drowning. Then someone gave me the ‘brilliant’ idea to manage my time better. Naturally, I scoffed—I had always been good at managing my time. So what do you mean, ‘manage my time better?’

I thought about it for a while and realized I was still using the same old routine, expecting it to adjust to my new responsibilities. It made sense; handling time the way I did got me productivity, a social life, and time to myself.

It’s silly that I had not thought about it before.

If you are like me, keep reading this article, as it highlights some of the tips and strategies for handling time as a new leader. And if you already adjusted yourself but it’s not working, check out the rest of the article for some ideas. 

The Importance of Time Management in Leadership

You will enjoy productivity when you are handling time in a fitting way for your new leadership role. However, good time management is important beyond productivity. For example:

Reduces Stress

As a new leader, you will have to deal with some stress. Your new responsibilities may come with a lot of pressure. You don’t need to add to that by struggling to get things in order. Whenever I’m stressed about having too much on my plate, I worry about time. As do many others.

Handling time properly reduces stress for you and your teams. When you have control over your schedule and know what needs to be done, you feel less overwhelmed. The calmness spreads to the rest of the team.

That’s how you avoid scrambling every workday. 

Better Decision-Making

You need to make important decisions almost daily. It can be hard because it does not mean you will always have the answers, but people will still expect you to. But imagine if you had the time to think about it. In fact, timing is everything when making a decision. 

Handling time well ensures that you have the time to think carefully before making choices. Time management allows you to gather information, weigh options, and choose the best course of action.

Boosts Work-Life Balance

I worked past hours for a long time as a manager. Saturdays, free time, and social time were gone because I had responsibilities. Obviously, the effects caught up with me fast; I was tired, I got sick, and I struggled to appreciate my work. 

It was not healthy; I needed to change, and part of a better work-life balance was only possible with better time management. 

Leaders who are good at managing time can achieve a better work-life balance. By managing their workload better, they can finish work on time and enjoy their personal lives. Balance is important to avoid burnout. 

Tips and Strategies for Handling Time Effectively as a New Leader

Prioritize, Prioritize, and Prioritize 

One of the common challenges of management is having variety in your schedule. I’ve learned the hard way that prioritizing is a skill you need to have as a leader. Handling time starts with knowing what is most important.

It may not feel like it, but not everything requires immediate attention. If surgeons prioritize surgeries, then you can do it with your tasks. When you start your week or day, take the time to list your tasks and rank them by importance.

For example, answering routine emails does not have to come first every morning. Some things like signing off on an urgent presentation should be how you start your day.

By focusing on what matters most, you can prevent overwhelm and make sure that you’re meeting critical goals first.

Schedule for That Day

A schedule is a powerful tool for handling time. You’ve probably heard this a million times, but one more time won’t hurt. As a new leader, it’s essential to plan your day ahead of time. And I insist on ‘day’ because things tend to come up in the middle of the week that can throw you off.

You can use a planner or tools like Google Calendar to separate time for meetings, work, and breaks. Set aside specific hours for meetings and keep other hours free for focused work. It will help you stay on track.

Limit Distractions

I saw a picture online of a guy who stuck a note to his office door telling the other workers not to stop and say hi to him. The man was talkative and knew the minute someone distracted him with a simple greeting; he would get nothing done. That’s what you need to do, too!

Handling time as an effective leader means minimizing distractions. In a leadership role, it’s easy to get pulled into endless emails, meetings, or minor issues. Also, you have the usual distractions like social media, the internet, talking to friends, and even hobbies.

To stay productive, limit the time you spend on distractions by setting boundaries. Be honest about what distracts you, and then be the guy who sticks a note on the door.

For example, you can schedule specific times to check your emails instead of answering regularly throughout the day. Also, turning off notifications or setting your phone on ‘do not disturb’ during important work can also help you stay focused.

It’s the Age of Tech, Take Advantage!

These days, there’s possibly an app, software, or website to help you with whatever you need. So take advantage of them to manage your time!

Using technology is an excellent strategy for handling time. Tools like project management apps or time-tracking apps can help you stay organized on tasks and on top of deadlines.

For example, you can track how much time you spend on each job and change your focus if necessary. If something can work for you, use it!

Handle Time Like A Leader

It’s important to remember that managing time also involves knowing when to rest. Taking regular breaks throughout the day helps clear your mind and improve focus. Step away from your desk for a quick walk or stretch every hour or so. 

Your journey in leadership has just begun. Don’t let it overwhelm you before you’ve had a chance. Handling time effectively can give you your Saturdays back while making sure you are being as productive as you should be. So obsess a little till you get it right.