Simplify, Speed Up, Succeed: How Systems Can Make You a Better Leader

Do you get as excited about spreadsheets, processes, and organization as I do? Chances are about 50/50 that you don’t. As all of the many personality tests will tell us, from DISC to the Enneagram to the time-tested Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator that I remember taking several decades ago in college, we are naturally wired to think and collaborate and use our unique strengths quite differently than others.

This is good! Because research shows diversity on our teams lead to high performance. Diversity is more than different gender, cultural, or background experiences, it also reflects a team that thinks, communicates, and plans differently. So, while we must welcome, recruit, and embrace diversity, there’s one thing all emotionally intelligent leaders must adopt, even if it’s not as natural to you as it is to me. What I’m referring to is SYSTEMS.

We need processes, rhythms, and routines to make sure we carry out all the behaviors that lead to self-management, the 2nd pillar of emotional intelligence. We also need systems to conserve brain energy for creativity, decision making, and conscious communication, rather than having to rely on our brain power to dot every I and cross every T (if you’ve ever facepalmed yourself for forgetting a simple step in your client onboarding process, you know what I mean). AND, systems just make our lives easier. 👏👏👏

Consider how you could use systems for these areas of your leadership at work + home:

• Tracking how much and how often you praise your team. (It’s probably a lot less than you think and research says its likely waayyyy less than your team desires.)
• Remembering each of your direct reports love languages or personal WHY so you can show them they are valued and tie their work to their identity.
• Setting up your kids to get ready for school AND have all they need in their backpacks without you having to intervene.
• Having a common language and framework around difficult conversations at work like holding others accountable, setting boundaries, giving and receiving feedback, shifting unproductive behavior, and so on.
• Following a checklist for regular tasks like invoicing or inventory to ensure you don’t miss a step or tire out your brain. A formal team meeting structure that celebrates wins and encourages appreciation so your managers are spotting more positives and keeping engagement high.
• A grocery checklist of staples so even if you’re working late, someone else could stock up your fridge for you.
• A monthly check-in to ensure you are operating from intention (vs. on autopilot) at work, at home, or with your partner in your marriage.
• And more!

I recently systematized my packing process since I’m traveling a lot more now for speaking engagements and to deliver trainings. Packing was stressing me out and taking the fun away from travel and the work I love to do. So I created this simple straightforward packing list that keeps my brain out of the equation and ensures I don’t get to the airport concerned about what I forgot to pack. I’m sharing it with you here so you can edit it to fit your preferences (it’s very female-specific, so if you don’t wear a bra or make-up, please edit it to fit YOU!).

Whether you’re an introvert with an analytical brain that loves to organize like me, or you’re a jump in and figure things out along the way extrovert, or anywhere in between, a few systems will simplify your life and make you be a better leader at work + home.

Love and success,
💜 Your coach,
Sara

P.S. For a quick reminder of why systems should DEFINITELY be a tool in your leadership toolbox, DOWNLOAD this image.