Learn how to find time for deep work as a manager. Learn key strategies focus without distraction and produce your best work.
August 19, 2024
In the flurry of emails, meetings, and constant notifications, finding time for deep work as a manager might seem impossible. Recently we joked about Olympic events managers could win. Marathon meetings that could have been an email, work-life balance beam, extreme putting out of fires, and freestyle troubleshooting are all events managers could crush. But here’s the deal, even though we are experts at all things, deep work—the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task—is essential for producing your best work. So, how do you carve out time for it amidst the chaos? Let’s explore some strategies to help you make time for deep work and unlock your full potential.
1. Prioritize Ruthlessly
To make time for deep work, you must prioritize it as if it's the VIP of your schedule. Identify your most critical tasks and focus on them during your peak productivity hours. Everything else can take a backseat—or better yet, be delegated.
2. Schedule Deep Work Blocks
Just like you would schedule a meeting, schedule dedicated blocks of time for deep work. Protect these blocks fiercely, treating them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. During these times, silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, let everyone know you’re unavailable or put an “ask before scheduling” note on your calendar.
3. Batch Shallow Work
Shallow work, like answering emails or attending routine meetings, is necessary but not always impactful. Batch these tasks together, setting aside specific times in your day for them. This way, you can clear them out of the way and free up more time for deep work.
💡Read our “Block it like it’s hot” blog for tips.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Environment
Your environment plays a crucial role in your ability to focus. Create a workspace that minimizes distractions—whether that means using noise-canceling headphones, closing your office door, or setting up a cozy corner at home.
5. Embrace the Power of No
Probably the most important one of all! As a manager, it’s tempting to say yes to every request and meeting invite. However, learning to say no (or not right now) is essential for preserving your time and energy for deep work. Be selective about what you commit to, and don’t be afraid to push back on meetings that could be an email instead.
Disclaimer: I get it. It’s hard to say "No," especially at work. No one wants to be perceived as someone who doesn't deliver, and I'll tell you, even very senior and experienced leaders struggle with this. But the key to mastering the art of saying "no" lies in negotiating why something isn’t going to make an impact or communicating what you’ll have to deprioritize to accommodate it. Simply saying no without context can be risky, so it’s all about framing. If you're ever stuck on how to have that prioritization convo, steal this talk track ⬇️:
Making time for deep work as a manager isn’t about finding extra hours in the day—it’s about reclaiming your time, doing the most with the hours you have, and using them wisely. By prioritizing, scheduling, and protecting your focus, you’ll be better equipped to tackle complex challenges and lead your team to success.
And remember, Textio is here to support your journey to doing less but better. Because when you make time for deep work, you’re not just boosting your productivity—you’re elevating your entire team.