Prioritizing Optimization over Maximization as a Leader

As leaders, we are often pulled in many different directions on a daily basis. We are tasked with deadlines and heavy workloads and can often get focused on getting as much done as possible in the workday. Leading with this approach can often cause feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as have a negative impact on the quality of work we are completing.

We would encourage you to shift your daily perspective from maximizing your time to optimizing your time. Maximization is defined as fitting in as much work as possible. Trying to maximize your day can create feelings of being tired, exhausted, overwhelmed and burnt out. Optimization is defined as ensuring the work you are doing has the greatest impact possible. Optimizing your day can create feelings of being important, meaningful, successful and accomplished.

Below are some tools to help you optimize your workday:

• Calendaring: block out time to follow up and complete time sensitive communication, projects and initiatives.
• Practice clear communication: effective communication can help facilitate healthy relationships with everyone you work with. This includes your peers, leadership team and direct reports.
• Develop to do lists: this simple task can be an effective resource in visualizing what has to be completed today, and what can be slated for later in the week.
• Create positive habits: identify barriers to your productivity and eliminate them. Things to consider utilizing to eliminate distractions include setting screentime and app limits on your phone and being mindful of media or audio distractions. Protect your time!
• Establish an environment conducive to productivity.
• Create healthy habits for your mind and body: Prioritizing healthy eating, physical activity, mindfulness and spiritual wellbeing will ensure your whole self is operating as healthy and effectively as possible.

Utilizing the resources allows us to optimize our work day and fulfill the core commitment of accounting for stewardship of time, resources and self.

The HR Team commits to being “all in” as we serve in our roles. This non-negotiable is based on Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Consider leading by example with this approach, as well as sharing with your team the importance of leading with a servant heart as we fulfill our roles and make Baylor University a great place to work.