Feeling bored and useless is normal for a new executive–it shows you’re doing simple things that have big effects. Stop equating busy-ness with business!
Three different execs this week asked me to validate what they were doing, because they felt like they weren’t being active enough. When I praised one of them for a big efficiency gain, he demurred: “All I did was point out a problem and bring people together to fix it.” That’s the point! We don’t expect a Formula One driver to get out and push, or an architect to nail beams together; they use leverage to magnify their actions, and so should you. The feeling of vast empty space in your calendar is the one you’re going for–so hurry up and do nothing!
This first appeared in my weekly Squirrel Squadron email, which goes out every Monday, and was originally posted on 29th August 2022. To get my provocative thoughts and tips direct to your inbox first, sign up here: https://squirrelsquadron.com/