04/12/2025
For years, I confused being busy with being essential.
I was the approval gate, the information hub, and the final quality check. I was leading, but I was also the biggest blocker to growth.
Sound familiar...?
The shift wasn't about hiring more people; it was about leading differently.
In my Inspired & CLEAR Coaching Programme, I focus on building systems and communication techniques with you that distribute authority.
Here are 3 research-backed shifts that stop the bottleneck effect and save you hours of reactive work:
⭐ Implement the "Rule of 70%"
If a team member is 70% sure of the right course of action, they are empowered to make the decision without escalation. Your role changes from decision-maker to risk-mitigator. This immediately removes you from 70% of day-to-day approval cycles.
⭐ Batch Your Communication
Stop allowing Teams/ Chat messages to derail your deep work. Establish clear "Office Hours" or a specific "Questions Channel" for non-urgent matters. This saves time by reducing context-switching and interruptions, creating space for you to actually lead.
3. Set the "Default Answer to 'Yes'"
For routine, low-risk tasks (like ordering supplies or replying to generic queries), pre-approve the process. Your team knows that if the request meets Expectations (E), the default answer is 'Yes,' eliminating the need for constant permission emails.
The result?
You move from being the overworked 'Doer' to the calm, strategic leader your business and or team needs.
Which of these shifts would save you the most time today?
Let me know in the comments! 👇
