Top 5 CEO Productivity Tips for 2020
When it comes to being the master of multitasking, CEOs have their work cut out for them. Between leading the strategic vision of the organization, to managing key stakeholder expectations, to developing their own leadership skills, CEOs are not short on things to do. But, staying productive and motivated every day is a challenge even for the most seasoned executive leaders. Here are the top 5 ways that successful CEOs keep their momentum up and their productivity levels high.
- Guard your high-energy times. Knowing how you work and when you work best is key in structuring your day for success. If you are the most productive during the morning, then be sure to schedule meetings in the afternoon, so you can channel your energy for more strategic initiatives. If you find that you are the most inspired in the afternoon, then adjust your schedule accordingly. The point is to leave your high-energy times open so you can use it for generating the most impact for your business.
- Hone in on the money-making tasks. Generally, less than 5% of the daily business tasks CEOs do actually generate money for the business. Things like handling emails or traveling for meetings aren’t moving the needle to grow your business. Whenever possible, outsource those non-revenue generating tasks to others so your time is freed up and better spent on things that will take your business to the next level.
- Eliminate interruptions at all cost. I find that blocking out “do not disturb” time is ideal to ensure that you are not interrupted, unless it is an emergency. It is nice to be available at all times, but it is not ideal for improving your productivity. You need dedicated time at least once a week to focus on researching your industry and diving deeper into how you can enhance your business.
- Know what you’re aiming for. Work without a goal is futile. You should know at all times, what the goal is and, more importantly, how it aligns with your company’s larger mission or vision. Not only is it essential for you, as the CEO, to define your goal, but it is equally critical that it is communicated to your employees. Having goals gives you both direction and purpose in what you are doing.
- Write your ideas down. If you’re anything like most CEOs, you’re constantly thinking of new ways to do business or new tools you can use to streamline your business. With the fast-paced nature of your position, it’s not uncommon for your ideas to get lost in the daily shuffle of what you have going on. Successful CEOs make time every day to capture their ideas and determine which are worth pursuing and which may not be feasible. The point is to never let an idea go to waste. You never know which idea may turn into something big for your company.
What other ways are you using to stay productive every day? I challenge you to find those ways that work best for you and continue to add to this list. As the CEO, your personal and professional development is vital to how you lead your organization. Invest in increasing your productivity levels now and you will start to see an immediate impact on your business.
