Show that you respect time – Leadership by Example

Know your Chrontype, Technical time(or non interrupt time), plan you time, respect others time

We all have the same about of time. How we use it is very important and how effective we are able to prioritse our work will define our success. Also how we use other peoples time in meetings and with requests for information will impact on their success.

Chronotype

Everyday there are periods when you will make smart decisions, when have breakthroughs, and then times of the day when you make poor decisions. It is a fixed pattern depending on your individual Chronotype. There are three types: early birds, standard and night owls. Establishing your type will help you understand when you are at your best for certain decision making, and when you should avoid making decisions. Taking breaks (20-30mins) also helps reset.

The importance of the Beginning, Middle and the End

In the book ‘When’ Daniel Pink shows the science in how important each of these stages are, the myths associated with each of these key points and how to turn them your advantage. Here are some examples

• Starting Again – This can often be much more effective than continuing with a false start
• UH-OH Effect – People focus when they realize that time is running out
• Encode – People remember just the end of a persons life or a project end rather than the journey, leaving often false impressions.
• Spend the last five minutes of your day, looking at what you achieved, a basic plan for the next day and send a thank you note.

Technical Work/ NO Interruptions

A lot of different types of work need a high degree of concentration. If you lead teams of technical people, understand their work style and avoid setting up meetings when it could impact on their best concentration time and cycles.

Book time for yourself

It is important you have a chance to catch up with everything and that you have time to plan next steps. Book time in your calendar, to avoid it being interrupted. Maybe even find a room, or a coffee shop so that it becomes your time.

Example:

• Monday 3pm to 3.30pm – Changes to the plan
• Tuesday 8am to 9am – Learning time
• Wednesday 3pm to 3.30pm – Changes to the plan
• Thursday 8am to 9am – Learning Time
• Friday 4-5pm – Reflection and plan next week

Thoughts on Respect Time:

• Know when you are at your best and your worst, plan your activities accordingly
• Know when your reports/team are at their best and when they need to be left to focus
• Take real breaks
• Respect others’ time, and recognize their best times may not match yours
• If you have to cancel a meeting give them a why and be pro active in setting up the next
• Lunchtime – Do not eat at your desk
• Plan your time, for you, both planning and reflection

Resources on Respect Time:

• Wiki -> Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ)
• Book -> When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
• Book -> 168 Hours: You have more time the you think

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