167. Calendar White Space
About this Podcast
Ep. 167 – In this episode of The Manager Track Podcast, host Ramona Shaw talks about the importance of creating ‘Calendar White Space’ and its impact on leadership effectiveness. She explains why it’s crucial for leaders to carve out this space for strategic thinking and cross-departmental projects, offers concrete strategies for doing so, and shares the benefits this practice brings.
— ACTION STEPS —
- Reflect on your own calendar and identify areas where you can create white space.
- Analyze where you’re actually needed and where your time be better served
- Consider booking a strategy call with Ramona Shaw for personalized guidance.
- Remember the importance of transitioning from executor to learner and strategic thinker.
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RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Schedule a Strategy Call with Ramona Shaw
- Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11
- Have a question or topic you’d like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama
- Episode 14 – How to Eliminate Distractions
- Episode 82 – Leaders’ Exhaustion
- Episode 113 – Time Management is Pain Management
- Episode 114 – Burnout, Boundaries, and Saying “No” – With Teresa Vozza
- Episode 149 – Time Integrity
- Episode 156 – Beyond Busy: Digging into the Real Reasons for Time Management Struggles
Grab your copy of Ramona’s best-selling new book ‘The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role’: amzn.to/3TuOdcP
If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw
Are you in your first manager role and don’t want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: ramonashaw.com/masterclass
Don’t forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from your mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: ramonashaw.com/shop
Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
[00:00] Introduction to Episode 167: Calendar White Space
[00:50] Concept Explanation: What is Calendar White Space?
[01:44] Challenge Explanation: How Being Busy Impacts Leadership
[02:55] Contextual Understanding: Why White Space is Important for Leaders
[03:40] Remote Work Implications: Challenges of Finding White Space
[04:35] Drawbacks: The Effect of Constant Reactivity on Leaders
[05:40] Mindset Transition: Shifting from Immediate to Long-Term
[07:10] Strategy Building: How to Create Time for Strategic Thinking
[09:20] Importance of Discipline: Sticking to Time Blocks for Strategic Projects
[11:30] Overcoming Discomfort: Managing Self During Behavior Change
[12:20] Mindset Shift: From Executors to Curiosity and Learning
[07:24] Exploring Examples: Adaptable Leadership and Supportive Leadership
[12:25] Personal Case Study: Overdoing Quick Decision-Making
[14:17] Wrapping up: Scheduling Strategy Call and Overview of the APS Method for Leadership Development
