Time Management: Prepare, Perform, Recover
Time. It’s the one thing we all wish we had more of, especially as executives juggling priorities, people, and high-stakes decisions. But let’s be honest—there’s no magic trick to adding more hours to the day. The real power lies in mastering how we use our time.
As you move up in leadership, the game changes. Your success is no longer just about how much you can accomplish on your own; it’s about how effectively you engage others, delegate with purpose, and create a rhythm that fuels—not drains—your performance.
I love how Bo Eason frames it: We are always doing one of three things—preparing to perform, performing, or recovering. This simple but powerful mindset shift can be a game-changer in how you manage your time, your energy, and your impact. Let’s break it down.
1. Prepare to Perform: Set Priorities and Delegate with Confidence
The most effective leaders don’t just show up and react to their day—they own it. They walk in knowing what matters most and who they can trust to execute. Here’s how you can, too:
Identify High-Impact Work: Not all tasks deserve your time. Focus on the ones that move the needle for your organization.
Delegate Like a Pro: Handing off tasks isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s leadership. Set clear expectations, empower your team, and trust them to deliver.
Time Block Like Your Sanity Depends on It: Whether it’s deep work, strategy sessions, or check-ins with your team, schedule it. Guard it. Honor it.
2. Perform: Execute with Focus and Engage Others
Once the groundwork is set, it’s go time. But let’s ditch the myth that high performance means grinding 24/7. The best executives know how to get the most out of their time and their team.
Batch Similar Tasks: Switching between tasks kills momentum. Group emails, decision-making, and meetings together to stay in flow.
Run Efficient Meetings (or Skip Them Altogether!): No agenda? No meeting. Keep them focused, actionable, and invite only the people who need to be there.
Empower Your Team: If you’re constantly answering every question and solving every problem, you’re not leading—you’re micromanaging. Encourage autonomy and trust your people to step up.
3. Recover: Recharge to Sustain High Performance
Here’s the part most executives ignore—recovery. But let me tell you, burnout doesn’t make you a hero. It makes you ineffective. The best leaders protect their energy just as fiercely as they manage their time.
Schedule Breaks (Yes, Really): A quick reset between meetings? A lunchtime walk? It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Invest in Yourself: Exercise, sleep, and mindfulness fuel your performance. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress. Recognizing success—yours and your team’s—builds momentum and keeps everyone motivated.
Final Thoughts: Lead with Intention, Not Exhaustion
At the end of the day, effective time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. When you master how to prepare, perform, and recover, you don’t just get more done—you lead better, inspire more, and create lasting impact.
And here’s the thing—you don’t have to figure this all out alone. If you’re ready to take control of your time, your leadership, and your success, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to turn your vision into action—without burnout.
Ready to lead with more clarity and confidence? Let’s connect.