As we embark on our leadership journeys, we find ourselves wearing multiple hats—mentors, coaches, and motivators...while also trying to complete our own tasks. It is an exhilarating adventure, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing our team effectively.

Did you know that 30-40% of a new leader's day is devoted to managing people? (Society for Human Resource Management, 2019)

That's right! Balancing our time between people management and other tasks is essential for achieving success as leaders. So, let's dive into some time-tested techniques that will help you thrive as a new people leader!

1. Time Blocking: Carving Out Your Productive Oasis

Time blocking is like a secret weapon to tackle your to-do list while ensuring your team receives the attention they deserve. Block specific periods in your day for focused work, team meetings, and one-on-one discussions. A study by RescueTime found that time blocking increased productivity by 25% compared to traditional time management methods.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different time blocks to find what works best for you and your team. For instance, you might prefer dedicating mornings to strategic planning and afternoons to supporting your team members.

2. Understand the Strengths of the Individuals on Your Team

Knowing your team member's strengths can unlock the full potential of your workforce. Gallup's research shows that employees who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged at work. Take the time to get to know each team member personally and professionally. Identify their unique strengths and align tasks accordingly.

Pro Tip: Encourage open communication and feedback loops to learn about the strengths and aspirations of your team members. Regularly revisit their goals and ensure they feel supported in their professional growth.

3. Learn How to Delegate Effectively

As a new leader, the temptation to do everything yourself is understandable. However, effective delegation is key to managing your workload and empowering your team. The Harvard Business Review found that leaders who delegate well are 33% more effective in achieving their objectives.

Pro Tip: While delegating, be clear about expectations, provide the necessary resources, and offer continuous support. Empowering your team to handle responsibilities will free up your time for higher-level tasks.

4. Take the Time Upfront to Build an Autonomous Team

Investing time upfront to build an autonomous team will pay off in the long run. According to a study by McKinsey, autonomous teams experience an 80% increase in decision-making speed. Train your team members to be independent problem solvers and decision-makers.

Pro Tip: Foster a culture of learning and provide opportunities for professional development. This will not only nurture your team's growth but also reduce the need for constant supervision.

5. Embrace Technology: Leverage the Tools of Efficiency

In the digital age, embracing technology is crucial for streamlined operations. Utilize productivity and project management tools to organize tasks, automate repetitive processes, and enhance communication within your team.

Pro Tip: Explore platforms like Trello, Asana, or Slack to create a more efficient workflow and encourage collaboration among team members.

6. Prioritize and Re-prioritize: Stay Agile and Adaptable

As a people leader, your to-do list might be ever-evolving. Practice agile time management by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Be ready to re-prioritize when circumstances change or unexpected challenges arise.

Pro Tip: Consider using the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important.

7. Set Boundaries: Balance Work and Personal Time

Maintaining a work-life balance is vital for your well-being and productivity. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and communicate them with your team. Avoid the temptation to be constantly available, as it can lead to burnout and set the expectation that you're always on call (counterproductive to point #4).

Pro Tip: Schedule dedicated "me-time" in your calendar to recharge and indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

8. Reflect and Improve: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

At the end of each day or week, take a moment to reflect on your achievements and areas for improvement. Cultivate a growth mindset, seeking continuous self-improvement as a leader.

Pro Tip: Encourage a culture of feedback within your team, where constructive criticism is welcomed and seen as an opportunity for growth.



Remember, time management is an ongoing journey, and it's okay to make adjustments along the way. By mastering these techniques and finding your unique rhythm, you will not only become an exceptional people leader but also find more joy and fulfillment in your role.

We have some exciting programming coming up for individual mid-level leaders in September of 2023! Keep your eyes peeled or get on the waitlist here to be the first to know!