- You are here:
- Home »
- Blog »
- Managing Your Time »
- How To Avoid Overload As A Manager
How To Avoid Overload As A Manager
One thing I noticed throughout my career is that professional people have the ability to get through a huge volume of work. And at the same time you have probably heard the phrase that work migrates to a busy person.
So if you are a professional person in a management role, how can you avoid overload?
Set Boundaries
One thing that is guaranteed is that work will expand to fill the time available. As a result you need to set some boundaries. Your boundaries might be related to number of hours worked or what criteria you will use in determining whether you will take on something like a special project.
Focus on Priorities
There is always plenty of stuff you could be doing but not everything is priority. If you don’t know you priorities or perhaps are just unsure, check it out with your boss.
Learn To Say No
We all like to please. At the same time there is nothing worse than saying yes to something extra and not delivering. Explain why you are saying no and present it in a positive. People might not like it but will appreciate your honesty.
Make Full Use Of Your Team
Most managers know that they need to delegate but are often still reluctant to do so. There is no point in running yourself into the ground and having a team 80% utilised.
Recharge The Batteries
Exercise is what works for me. Find out what it is for you and take the time to recharge your batteries to stay at the peak of your performance.
Don’t Set Yourself Up To Fail
Harder to do than it might seem but too often we are completely unrealistic about what we can do in the time available. Set a realistic results list for the day that stretches you, is challenging but does not set you up to fail.
The Bottom Line: It is easy to get overloaded, stressed out and as a result see a huge dip downwards in your performance. Be alert to overloading yourself as a manager.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps highly effective professionals become highly effective managers. He invites you to check out his management mastery e-course.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.
