Can you do this as well as I can?

Colleagues,
 
There are three practices we can implement to proactively decrease the number of urgent issues we face. These practices are not hierarchically arranged. 
 
In your effort to get off the treadmill, think about which practice will yield the most immediate results with the least effort (leverage) and begin there.

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs).
A SOP is a detailed instruction sheet for performing a specific task. SOPs bring structure, support, transparency, and consistency to operations. Benefits:

1. 1. Increase quality of results
   2. Decrease effort and save time
   3. Decrease error
   4. Increase number/role of people capable of completing the process
   5. Decrease stress
   6. Improve organizational resiliency
   7. Ensure compliance with policy
   8. Improve safety
   9. Facilitate building leadership capacity

Need I say more?

Leverage your team:

1. Allow yourself to be managed. If you have support staff, an administrative assistant for example, allow them take over as many tasks as possible. They can screen your email, answer phone calls, and even plan your calendar. The fewer things you need to worry about, the more focus you will have for important things. 
   
2. Build leadership capacity in individuals. Be intentional about grooming others for leadership. Use a gradual release approach to help them learn new skills: 

• Do it while explaining what and why
• Do it with them
• They do it on their own, you watch and coach

  3. Create a coordinated leadership team by:

• Developing clear responsibilities for each member
• Establishing a set meeting time
• Establishing a set agenda
• Providing mutual accountability

Condition others to respect your priorities. When people understand your priorities, they are less likely to ask you for things that don’t align. 
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick