I’ve just got back from three days in Norfolk.
For me, Norfolk means long dog walks, windswept beaches, cosy pubs, and rummaging through second-hand bookshops. It’s the kind of place where life slows down, and that’s exactly why it’s become one of the most important parts of my year.
While those things are lovely (and they are!), the real reason I go is for the space it gives me to plan.
Why Leaders Need to Step Back
Let’s be blunt… you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself.
So many business owners and managers I meet are permanently stuck in firefighting mode. Emails, phone calls, team issues, urgent client demands, it just never stops.
Yet, when you ask them about their real goals or their vision for the next 12 months, there’s often a pause.
That’s why I go to Norfolk. I need to step away from the noise to remember:
- What am I trying to achieve?
- Why does this matter to me?
- How many business owners and managers do I want to positively impact this year?
Clarity doesn’t happen when you’re spinning plates. It happens when you slow down enough to think.
Personal Leadership Starts with Personal Productivity
This is something I’ve learned repeatedly: productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about having purpose and direction.
If I know where I’m going, then every decision, every meeting, every “yes” or “no”, gets easier. Suddenly it’s not about managing time, it’s about managing focus.
And that’s what personal leadership really is: leading yourself first, so that you can show up fully for others.
The “Big Rocks” Approach
When I sit down with my notebook in Norfolk, I start with the big rocks. These are the immovable things, the priorities that, if I don’t put them in first, will never happen.
So, what goes in?
- All our holidays for the next 18 months (yes, they go in before anything else, because rest and family matter)
- Football fixtures (non-negotiable priorities in our household!)
- Date nights and weekends away (because relationships need as much intentional planning as business)
- Programme start dates
- Locker Room sessions
- Team meetings
Once those are locked in, the rest of my calendar becomes so much simpler. Instead of staring at an endless list of to-dos, I’ve got a clear framework for the year. All I really must do now is turn up!
This approach doesn’t just work for me though. It works for anyone.
If you’re always running out of time, it’s often because the small stuff is filling up your diary before the big stuff gets a chance.
From Firefighting to Focus
Think about your own role. How much of your week is spent dealing with other people’s “urgent” tasks, rather than moving forward on the things that will grow your business or team?
That’s the trap. You feel busy, you are busy…but you’re not necessarily productive.
When you shift from firefighting to focus, from reacting to leading, everything changes. Your team sees it, your clients feel it, and you finally get back the headspace to lead with clarity.
Why I Believe in the High Impact Productivity programme
This is exactly why I believe in the High Impact Productivity programme.
I’ve seen it too many times: smart, capable leaders who are stretched too thin, chasing their tails, never quite getting on top of things.
The programme isn’t about quick tips or clever hacks. It’s about shifting behaviour. Helping leaders escape the chaos, focus on what really matters, and build proactive, accountable teams.
When you start leading yourself this way, the ripple effect on your team is huge. You don’t just get more done; you create an environment where others step up too.
Want to Experience This Yourself?
Our next High Impact Productivity group kicks off in September.
Here’s what you get…
- Four powerful lessons spread across eight months
- A CPD accredited course backed by over 50 years of leadership research
- A full money-back guarantee
If you’re ready to reclaim your time, focus on the work that moves the needle, and lead with clarity, drop me a message and I’ll save you a spot.
Just a thought…
When was the last time you stepped back and gave yourself real space to think?
Sometimes, the best leadership decisions don’t come from the boardroom. They come from a windswept beach in Norfolk, notebook in hand, with the dogs running ahead and the pub waiting at the end of the walk.
