- How to say no
Adam Grant outlines the importance of saying no, and strategies for turning people down - Respect your time, or no one else will
Brian Fink on why it is so important to manage your time - Why doing less makes you a better leader
"The shift from constant activity to strategic selectivity isn't easy. It requires overcoming deeply ingrained beliefs about productivity and value, as well as the confidence to withstand potential short-term criticism from those who equate busyness with commitment. However, for leaders willing to make this shift, the rewards are substantial—better decisions, more empowered teams, increased strategic clarity, and the personal sustainability needed for long-term leadership impact." — Andrew Murphy - How to break the cycle of firefighting
Jesal Gadhia, reminds us that we need to think at multiple levels in order to make systematic change - How engineering leaders can better organize their day
"You can’t afford to overlook the importance of having a plan for how you should spend your work time. If you don’t, you’ll get caught fighting fires and dealing with unplanned issues." — Harry Guinness - Three ways to make time for reflection as an engineering leader
Pat Kua on the importance of taking time to reflect - Why are you so busy?
"Contrary to popular belief: back-to-back meetings isn't a badge of honour, it's a red flag." — Tom Lingham - Focus
Henrik Kniberg says, "stop saying (or thinking) 'I don’t have time'. You have LOTS of time, so it’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do with it" - Who’s got the monkey?
This classic article is a reminder of how important it is to be explicitly manage who has the initiative and not take it on without thinking - The most surprising principle of good leadership? Don’t be busy
Claire Lew's helpful reminder that one of the easiest mistakes to make as a leader is to be too busy
Recommended links about managing time
Resources to help you take control of your time so that you can lead effectively.