How do I get out of the weeds?

I got an admin assistant, and she is a whiz. She is helping me shift from being a 'Chief Everything Officer' in my business to being a coach, creator, founder and 'Chief Energy Officer'. 

She rips tasks from my ‘no one else can do this like me’ clutches. I asked for stuff to be taken off my plate. I want this change I remind myself as I loosen my grip.

I watch my kiddos ‘making’ a bike from myriad parts of old bikes. One spins the wheel and sticks a leaf in to see what happens. Cool noise but not disruptive enough so he tries a stick. Boom. Stopped the wheel with a jolt and a snap.  

This is a lesson in change for me. I want to get out of the weeds, avoid burnout and grow my business but I keep putting a stick in my wheel. I disrupt my own momentum.  

"How do I get out of the weeds?"

This is one of the most common obstacles and goals for the leaders I support (you are not alone!). Why is this so important to them? Because they desire growth not stagnation. They want to focus on the right things. They want to balance today with tomorrow. They know  success relies on building a great team. They deserve to have energy left on Friday.

Makes sense right?

Is that what you want too?

When we are in the weeds we are reacting, directing, re-working, relentlessly focusing on the urgent and doing the work of others (with brilliant justification!). The weeds are invisible, alluring and comforting.

It is hard to let go even when we say we want to.

Getting out of the weeds is a growth opportunity for us.

5 tips to help you lift out of the weeds this year:

1. Set Your Intention.

Clarify what you do want this year.  What does getting out of the weeds mean to you? How would you know you had lifted out of the weeds?

The last two years have been as normal as my second toe that is longer than my big toe (a sign of intelligence apparently). So don't be hard on yourself. Businesses have had a short-term focus with people stuck in survival mode. Survival mode has become normal. The environment has not been congruent with getting out of the weeds.

Clarify your intention to elevate your leadership or expanding your focus this year. 

2. Demand clarity.  

Get clear on what is expected from you. Obvious? Sure, but common sense does not equal common practice on this one.

You HAVE to know what the best use of you is in the business this year. What does that mean for Q1? It is an invitation to open your internal ‘task manager’ function, close a few tasks down and tap reset. Insist on clarity of expectation and don’t let your boss off the zoom call (you set up that meeting by the way) until you have specifics. Butt clenching is a good sign of being challenged appropriately. Be that leader.

3. Spend more time with your people. Yes more.

This seems counterintuitive when you're trying to create more time for high leverage opportunities, tasks and projects.  Having regular (and effective) one-on-one time with team members is your ‘get out of the weeds’ free pass. You need to be willing (and skilled) enough to provide support so people can take accountability.

It does not matter if you are the manager or the managed – demand time.

Leaders struggle with the accountability bit. They find the words hard and putting it in practice can be tough but it does not need to be. People need you. They need you to show up and help them make progress on the important stuff. They want to know how they're going (even the Gen X’ers). 

Create an opportunity for weekly connection and coaching to help you get clear on what you need and what they need. I guarantee you will move the dial and be less involved in ALL THOSE THINGS! When you feel discomfort, you are on the right path.

4. Own your (awesome) growth 

You need support too. You are special but not that special. You are not so unique that you do not have development opportunities that show up when you lift out of the weeds.

The weeds are no flower bed but they are comfy because you know what you are doing and you feel confident. Despite your noble intention to think and play bigger you find your calendar and mind full of meetings. Again.

Taking ownership for your development need (not the solution) is a superpower.

Talented people take the lead on their development. They don’t hide it, wait till crisis or miss out on opportunities. They come to the development party and expect support.

What is your development need?

Is it building a high-performing team that deliver when you are not there? Or reducing perfectionism to stop hiding and be more visible? Perhaps it is focus? Honing your ability to prioritise  growth over 'busy weeds work' to deliver awesome outcomes.

Your manager and a coach help you stride out of the weeds with certainty and confidence.

5. Step back. Step up.

Make the most of your break and easing back into work. I challenged my clients to take more time off and leave the weeds behind for as long as possible.

This is your opportunity to recover, shift your energy and perspective.

What micro habits support you recharge your batteries each week?

Don’t wait till the Christmas carols are blasting and we are scrambling for new ways to describe a “crazy” year. Step back NOW. Don't rush into mad Jan planning mode.

Feeling spacious helps you be kinder to you, others and know your priorities. 

Do not let the last few years be your guide on if you can do this. You have an opportunity right now to lift out of the weeds and enjoy the growth rewards. 

All this talk of weeds and growth resulted in a home garden project for us over the holidays.

What did you get up to?

Take care of you and your energy as you poke up from the weeds in 2022.  

If you or your team need help clarifying aligned goals so you can step into 2022 with confidence to perform at peak (minus burnout) - I can help you with workshops, courses and/or coaching.  Let’s chat. 

Big growth love,