Leadership Tip

How small changes can help you disconnect from work

We know that working excessive hours leads to exhaustion and impaired judgement. Yet it’s still so hard for many of us to disconnect. Make it easier by thinking small. Rather than trying to modify all of your work habits, find one thing you can change about your behaviour and start there. 

  1. Try leaving your laptop and smartphone in another room when you get home at night so you won’t be tempted to check your work email, or spend a few minutes learning how to programme the emails you send in the evening to arrive first thing in the morning - that way you’re not sucked into a back and forth with colleagues at all hours.
     
  2. Re-evaluate your work routines so you maximise your time in and out of work. For example, if you determine that you will only think about work between the hours of 8am and 8pm Monday through Friday, you’ll be more productive and have a better work/life balance as a result.
     
  3. Find a new, enjoyable activity to fill your time away from work. Take up tennis, cycling, join a sports league or book club, or sign up for dancing lessons. If you know what interests you, you’ll be surprised just how easy it is to fill your time with more meaningful activities.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


For more tips...
on leadership and management good practice, subscribe to a Minute with Montgomery on 10TV.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How your body language can let you down

Your gestures, posture, and facial expressions all communicate strong messages to those around you. However, many people don't realize the impact their body language has. The next time you're in a crucial meeting, take a moment to ask yourself these two... read more

How to keep employees honest

While it's impossible to predict every potential conflict of interest employees may face, you can significantly increase the likelihood that they will act in the company's best interest by providing clear, detailed guidelines. By setting expectations and... read more

How to regain your focus

Regaining focus can be tough, especially when distractions, fatigue, or lack of motivation get in the way. Whether you are struggling to concentrate at work, while studying, or on personal projects, sharpening your focus can make a huge difference in... read more