How Successful Managers Start Their Day
Let me ask you a question: when you start a work day, do you immediately jump into action by responding to Slack messages and emails, or do you start by taking 5-10 minutes before opening your inbox to look at your schedule, focus, and prioritize?
This is really the difference between good and great leaders. Because most new managers start their day in reactive mode by opening their apps and seeing what's coming at them. But seasoned leaders understand the power of being intentional and setting your brain to “proactive mode” right from the start.
To break it down, there are 4 essential things the most successful sales leaders start the day by thinking through what I call the “4 D’s”:
The 4 D’s To Start Each Day With Intention
DRIVE: What is one thing I can do today that will have the most impact on revenue?
You have a lot on your plate in a given day. Make sure you have a “north star” that you can focus on that will move the business forward.
DEVELOP: What is the one thing I can do today that will best support my team?
As a leader, you know your team needs you. Figuring out the ONE way you can show up best for them that day is vital to helping them grow.
DELEGATE: What is one thing I can delegate to someone else?
Another way to ask this question: “Am I uniquely qualified to handle this?” If the answer is no, figure out who you can pass this along to. Part of your job as a leader is to multiply leadership abilities in others, and the best way to do that is to hand off some responsibilities and trust others to get the job done.
DEFER: What is something that can wait?
This question is one to keep front of mind as you do open your inbox (similar to the previous). Understanding what is most high priority (and what can be punted to another day), will save your sanity and help avoid wasting time on less important tasks.
Breaking the Reactive Cycle
Too many sales managers get trapped in the quicksand of reactive management, constantly putting out fires. The problem with this (aside from burning yourself out), is you become more of a rescuer than an actual leader for your team.
By intentionally starting your day with drive, development, delegation and discernment, you transform from a manager who responds, to a leader who initiates.
Remember, your greatest asset as a leader isn’t your pipeline, your standing on the dash, or even your top performer. Your greatest asset is your ability to focus on what truly moves the needle, and elevate your team’s potential.
Focusing on the 4 D questions will feel clunky at first, but eventually embracing it as a routine will transform into a mindset shift. The key is taking the first step. Tomorrow morning, before you open a single app or respond to a single message, spend 10 minutes working through the 4 D’s. Do that for a few days and start tracking your productivity, your team’s engagement, and your own stress levels.
If you want to learn more about how to take back control of your calendar (rather than letting it control you), be sure to click the link below to download my FREE 5 Ways to Take Back Your Calendar guide.
