GREAT LEADERS STRIVE TO AVOID “WORKAHOLISM”

Is workaholism a word? I’m not sure. However, several things transpired this week that prompted me to write about this important subject.

I coached a client from a major law firm about the tendency for professionals working at such firms to prioritize work among all activities, including family and friend time. We discussed strategies for avoiding such behavior whenever possible.

Later in the week, I received a leadership newsletter from a fellow coach, describing how so many peoples exhibit tendencies to seek approval and greater status by working “all the time.“

Finally, just this morning, I read an online article in the Washington Post describing why Chuck, Todd is leaving “Meet the Press” after nine years hosting the show.

Chuck said the following: “ I let work consume me for more than 30 years. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t wake up before 5:00 or 6:00 AM, and as I’ve watched too many friends and family let work consume them before it was too late, I promised my family I would not do that. “

I identified with Chuck because I used to be a classic workaholic. For me, it took a serious car accident where I saw my life literally flash in front of my eyes right before impact to convince me to change that paradigm.

I’ve seen so many lawyers during the past several decades, adopt workaholic tendencies, because they believe that’s what was needed to succeed in their jobs. Having been there once myself, I felt sorry for them, and have actually helped a number of them shift their paradigms.

What can we do to stop being workaholics and start creating better balance for ourselves in our lives?

Here are some strategies that have worked for me, and which I’ve seen work for others, and some thoughts to reflect on:

-Learn to delegate effectively and use that skill as frequently as possible

-Make sure not to consider everything on your plate “important” because, if that’s the case, nothing is important

-Prioritize, the nurturing of relationships in all aspects of your job

-Remember that no one ever says on their deathbed: “I wish I spent more time at the office “

-Know that empirical studies show people with more balanced lives tend to be more productive in their jobs

-Persuade yourself that not everything has to be done today and adopt a full week paradigm rather than a one-day-at-a -time paradigm

-Learn to say no to your boss and others

-Make time at the start of each day to reflect upon your priorities, your schedule, and your plans

-Do not allow your teammates‘ priorities to become your own

-Avoid becoming a “rescuer” for your teammates who struggle with their assignments – rather, strive to be a teacher and a coach

-Always strive to take a big picture perspective and realize what’s truly important

-Give yourself permission to take real vacations

-If you know you have a tendency to be a workaholic and want to change, find an accountability partner to help you modify your behavior

I know, from experience that being a workaholic can produce very positive feelings and a sense of accomplishment, but those benefits are outweighed by many downsides in our personal lives.

Please look in the mirror and ask yourself if this is a subject on which you would like to reflect.

If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!

-Larry