Eight Common "Flow Breakers" Leaders Face—and How to Defuse Them
Constant disruptions at work prevent managers from achieving flow, the state of concentration that allows them to do their best work. The authors of Mind Tools for Managers highlight the most common flow breakers at work and offer tips for eliminating them.
Hoboken, NJ (June 2018)—Sometimes it seems like the workplace is designed to keep you doing anything besides, well...working. If you're a manager, this is a serious problem because everything at work hinges on your ability to effectively lead your team. Still, distractions abound in most offices, from buzzing phones to watercooler chit-chat to the endless lure of surfing the web. With all this chaos, it's difficult to achieve the intense state of concentration known as flow, where employees of all levels do their best work.
"Flow is a state of mind that occurs when all your conscious thought is focused on what you are doing," says Julian Birkinshaw, coauthor along with James Manktelow of Mind Tools for Managers: 100 Ways to Be a Better Boss (Wiley, April 2018, ISBN: 978-1-119-37447-3, $28.00). "Unfortunately, in the modern workplace, flow can be difficult to achieve and maintain. As a result, you are a less productive manager and stay stressed out at work. But by weeding out typical office distractions and interruptions, you can improve your focus, get more done, and become a more effective manager."
Mind Tools for Managers identifies the 100 skills that a manager can master to become a better leader. They were identified in a survey of 15,242 managers and professionals worldwide. This research was conducted by James Manktelow, founder and CEO of MindTools.com, and Professor Julian Birkinshaw, deputy dean for programs at London Business School. The authors provide practical advice for each of these skills—one of which is the ability to stay focused—and direct the reader to the MindTools website for a deeper dive into specific skill-building articles, worksheets, videos, and more.
Even if you're one of the many managers struggling to maintain focus at work, you can achieve a state of flow—which was first described in detail by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi—by managing or eliminating the distractions that pull you out of concentration. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common distractions managers and employees typically face at work (and how to deal with them), excerpted from the article "Minimizing Distractions: 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Day." For more information, please refer to Mind Tool 12-1: http://mnd.tools/12-1.
FLOW BREAKER 1: The relentless presence of personal technology. Smartphones and now smartwatches have blurred the line between personal and professional communication. Now you can receive work emails and calls on the same device as private Facebook comments, Instagram photos, and an array of other personal information. The good news is, this is a challenge that you and your colleagues can effectively manage yourselves. When focusing on a particular piece of work, choose to put away your phones for a certain amount of time. That way you can devote your attention entirely to the project at hand.
FLOW BREAKER 2: Email, email, and more email. Many emails in your inbox are probably not particularly important, and yet you may feel you must look at them when they arrive. Instead, try these tactics:
FLOW BREAKER 3: Social media and web browsing. Both are major productivity killers. Trouble is, organizations can no longer block people's access to websites that aren't work-related—smartphones can easily get around this. So it's up to you to use social media and the rest of the web responsibly. If it is acceptable within your organization, use a brief personal browsing session as a reward for an hour or two of high-quality, focused work.
FLOW BREAKER 4: Nerve-jangling phone calls. The ring of a phone often prompts an intense need to answer, even when you're in deep concentration. To minimize this source of distraction for you and your team, consider arranging a rotation so that team members can take calls for one another. Also be sure to let friends and family know that you will be available for calls only at lunchtime or in the evening.
FLOW BREAKER 5: Distractions in your work environment. Rather than trying to ignore such distractions as strong cooking smells or loud colleagues, get away from the problem. Set yourself up in an empty meeting room to regain your focus. Or wear noise-canceling headphones or play "white noise" to blank out anything that would otherwise grab your attention.
FLOW BREAKER 6: Confusion due to overwhelming workload. Always try to have a manageable to-do list, because having one that's too long can lead to procrastination, as you wonder which task to tackle next. Each day, commit to accomplishing the two most important tasks on your list, and put the rest on hold until tomorrow.
"In our study we found that 79.5 percent of managers view prioritizing tasks effectively as one of the most important planning and time management skills," says Manktelow. "It is so important!"
FLOW BREAKER 7: Other people. Colleagues visiting your desk can be a big source of distraction, but you're also a manager who wants to be available for your team members. So, if you don't want to be disturbed at times when you need to focus on a task, consider either working at home or in a conference room. If you have your own office, close the door and tell your team that you need to be left alone to concentrate for a while.
FLOW BREAKER 8: Shortfalls in your own well-being. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to juggle your priorities, manage visitors, and have the discipline to control your use of technology. So, it's vital that you take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep and make sure you drink enough water, as dehydration can make you feel tired and impact your thinking. It's also important to get some fresh air and take a brisk walk during the day—this will energize you. And try to avoid heavy lunches and sugar-laden snacks, as they can lead to a slump in concentration later in the day.
"It's easier than ever to lose track of what you should be doing at work, but you can still take steps to avoid distractions and improve flow," concludes Birkinshaw. "Learning to better manage these 'flow breakers' is a valuable skill that can be practiced and sharpened over time. And when you can achieve flow more easily, you will not only become a better manager, but you'll set a great example for your team as well."
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About the Authors:
James Manktelow and Julian Birkinshaw are coauthors of Mind Tools for Managers: 100 Ways to Be a Better Boss (Wiley, April 2018, ISBN: 978-1-119-37447-3, $28.00).
James Manktelow is founder and CEO of MindTools.com. He has written, edited, and contributed to more than 1,000 articles, more than sixty workbooks, and seven books and e-books on management and leadership, including Manage Your Time and Manage Stress.
Julian Birkinshaw is professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, deputy dean for programs, and academic director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London Business School. He is the author of fourteen books, including Fast/Forward, Becoming a Better Boss, and Reinventing Management.
About the Book:
Mind Tools for Managers: 100 Ways to Be a Better Boss (Wiley, April 2018, ISBN: 978-1-119-37447-3, $28.00) is available at bookstores nationwide, from major online booksellers, and direct from the publisher by calling 800-225-5945. In Canada, call 800-567-4797. For more information, please visit the book's page on www.wiley.com.
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Charity Bomb Presents
Strange 80s 2
2nd Annual Benefit Concert
On October 12th At The Fonda Theatre
**Tickets On Sale Friday, June 8th @10am PT**
In collaboration with Finn Wolfhard of Netflix's "Stranger Things"
With Performances By Members Of:
No Doubt, Fall Out Boy, Slipknot, Sum41, Limp Bizkit, Bowling For Soup, *NSYNC,
Velvet Revolver, OK Go, Sugarcult, Filter, Steel Panther, The Regrettes & more!
Los Angeles, CA - June 5, 2017 - Charity Bomb is proud to announce Strange 80s 2, the second annual benefit concert set to take place on Friday, October 12th at the Fonda Theatre. In collaboration with Finn Wolfhard of the Netlfix hit "Stranger Things," Strange 80s 2 will feature performances by a rotating cast of rock stars & celebrities covering the timeless anthems of the 80s! Tickets for Strange 80s 2 will go on sale to the public on Friday, June 8th at 10am PT, with VIP tickets being sold at a later date via CrowdRise. All proceeds will go to 320 Changes Direction, serving those who suffer from mental health, depression and addiction issues. For more information, please visit: https://www.charitybomb.org/.
Performers include members of: No Doubt, Fall Out Boy, Slipknot, Sum41, Limp Bizkit, Bowling For Soup, *NSYNC, Velvet Revolver, OK Go, Sugarcult, Filter, Steel Panther, and The Regrettes, with additional performers to be announced over the next few weeks!
In addition to a full concert, Strange 80s 2 will feature a video arcade and live auction offering exclusive, big-ticket items and experiences. Plus, 150 lucky winners will continue the festivities with a rooftop after-party!
Charity Bomb's mission is to be a force multiplier for other charities and/or organizations that focus on fundraising for musicians and artists in need. They take action by producing live entertainment events on their behalf, primarily in support of mental health, addiction and others issues that are prevalent in the artist community.
Strange 80s 2 is sponsored by Plex, Shure, and Threadmasters. For more information, please visit: https://www.charitybomb.org/.
EVENT DETAILS:
Charity Bomb Presents Strange 80s 2
DATE: Friday, October 12th 2018
VENUE: The Fonda Theatre | 6126 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
TICKETS: On Sale June 8th @10am PT | All Ages
TIME: Doors - 6:30pm | Show - 8pm
Follow Strange 80s 2:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/strange80s1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strange80s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strange_80s/
About Charity Bomb
Charity Bomb is a non-profit organization founded by four philanthropic friends to produce benefit shows for a variety of charitable organizations in the scope of music. Our motto is "All Purpose Altruism" - we deliver 100% of the proceeds, 100% of the time, with 100% transparency, to ensure that the funds raised reach its intended constituency, every dime, every time.
Musician & Philanthropist, Matthew Leone was put into a coma with 1/3 of his skull removed after rescuing a woman being beaten on the streets of Chicago a few years back. From Kevin, Lyman & Warped Tour, to Kiss and Madonna, the international music community rallied to bring him back to life. Smashing Pumpkins even did a benefit show for him. Twin brother, singer for their band Madina Lake, Nathan Leone agrees, this is what saved his life. Consequently, the Leone's devoted their lives to giving back. After several years with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund & Help Musicians UK, it was time to branch out. All-Purpose Altruism - Charity Bomb reflects the ubiquitous truth that love is the antidote for everything. This notion, as applied in our philanthropic context, asserts that we will drum up love, in all of its forms, for a particular cause or purpose, and drop it on the antagonist.
Los Angeles native, professional musician & acclaimed songwriter, Nik Frost, suffered from addiction. When drugs came dangerously close to claiming his life, it was fellow musicians, Dave Kushner & Brian O'conner (Velvet Revolver & Eagles of Death Metal respectively) who intervened and came to his rescue. Nik worked with Matthew on several projects, all a pre-destination to Charity Bomb.We are a non-profit, fundraising and awareness agent for any benevolent cause that enters our ether.
Ryan Ford, lifelong closest friend, philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, an avid lover of music, is the fourth Charity Bomber. Ryan's founded several businesses, MP45 Records among them, and brings the administrative acumen to complement his creative contribution to the collective. In short, we have the purpose, we know the right people and we know how to put on a show. We love a win-win-win outcome. It's abundantly clear that living a life where we produce spectacular live music events that serve a philanthropic cause, makes our constituents win, our clients win, and the fans win.
About 320 Changes Direction
320 Changes Direction is the latest strand of GiveAnHour.org's Campaign to Change Direction. It is a coalition of concerned citizens, nonprofit leaders, and leaders from the private sector who have come together to change the culture in America about mental health, mental illness, and wellness.
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A weekly report on education news and commentary you won’t find anywhere else — from the nation’s leading voice on education innovation and opportunity.
POLITICS AS UNUSUAL. “A subterranean divide among Democrats between backers of teachers unions and those of charter schools and other education innovations is helping shape key gubernatorial primaries…” so reports the AP. Charter schools and edreform have long been backburner issues in political campaigns, but in some places a tipping point has been reached. In Colorado, for example, tension has been building over education for months; activists tried to forbid the group Democrats for Education Reform, which backs candidates who support innovations like charter schools and evaluations, from using the party’s name in its title. Some of this strife is being driven the teachers unions. Read more here.
PERSONALITY POLITICS. The NY Times posits that because Ed Secretary Betsy DeVos is allegedly such a polarizing figure her support for charter schools actually does more harm to the charter movement than good. “One survey of views on charter schools found… …the president and his education secretary are so disliked by liberals that some will automatically reject whatever they endorse.” While that isn’t surprising, it is unfortunate and has spawned a narrative of negativity that is doing a terrible disservice to charters specifically and ed opportunities and innovations generally.
NEW YORK POLITICS. A NY Post editorial lays it on the line for NY Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. If he truly wants to mend fences with the city’s high-performing charter schools and their leaders, he can start by granting long-languishing space requests and also end an injustice that NY1 exposed this week: discrimination by the Committee on Special Education 1 against kids who attend Success Academy (it’s been slow-walking requests for Success Academy students, and even unfairly denying services). Continued...
SOMEBODY’S GOTTA STAND UP. Last week The Las Vegas Review-Journal ran a piece about how Nevada’s Clark County School District had created a new marketing position to sell the district’s schools to parents and slow the exodus of student to charter schools. We responded with a letter to the editor, which reads in part “The [district’s] goal should not be ‘How do we convince families not to leave?’ It should be ‘How do we provide learning experiences and results that make them want to stay?’ Read the letter in its entirety here.
AND WHILE WE WE’RE AT IT. How do we say this politely….? We’ve just about had it Valerie Strauss’ attempts at journalism, and with the people she quotes and whose opinions she offers up as “proof” that public education is under attack by dark forces who want to “privatize” schools. So we fired off a letter to The Washington Post too.
CONFIRMATION. One of the comments you often hear from parents who choose to send their children to charter, or private schools is the simple desire to ensure their kids are safe – which, sadly, is often not the case in the schools that many children attend. But are those desires met? According to an analysis of the second-year results of the federal evaluation of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (the federally funded scholarship program that allows low-income families in D.C. to use public education dollars to cover private-school tuition for their kids) by The Hill, the answer is a resounding yes! Get the facts.
GOOD NEWS? Later this month the Baltimore School Board will consider applications for six new charter schools. Unfortunately, the same school board has consistently cut its budget for the city’s existing 34 charter schools (which serve about 20 percent of Charm City’s 80,600 public school students). Adding insult to injury, there’s a new funding formula that has charter schools paying the district millions of dollars for services previously covered by the school system. Nicole Harris-Crest, ED of the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools, said the cuts and new rules made for a pretty tough environment for starting a charter school. “But,” she added, “it adds additional people to the movement to fight for equitable funding.” It’s time the state legislature or the courts step in to make to make the playing field more level for charters and traditional public schools alike.
ON CHEERIER NOTES. Check out these two stories on charter schools. First the CBS Morning News story on Basis Independent Silicon Valley, which has captured the top five spots on U.S. News and World Report's list of the best high schools and where students are required to take at least seven AP courses, beginning as early as eighth grade (and some take as many as 20). And do yourself a favor by reading “A change of schools changed everything” by valedictorian of the 2018 graduating class of PACE Career Academy in Allenstown, NH. It’s a great personal testament to all the things that are the foundation of innovations and opportunities that are charter schools.
TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK. In a lifetime of amassing experiences and diverse avenues of success, Bill Walton, founder and chairman of the private equity firm Rappahannock Ventures, has been driven by one defining theme, “I’ve always been interested in the barriers to change.” A lifelong learner, Bill is an entrepreneur, education reformer, supporter of the arts, and is a feature film and documentary producer. Bill and his wife Sarah developed an entire French and Spanish language curriculum, Language Odyssey. Since then, he has been passionate in the belief that, “A free market in education rather than government-run schools is the ideal system for every child to flourish in.” Listen online at https://www.edreform.com/realitycheck/.
TICK-TOCK. The clock’s winding down, and decisions are being handed down, as the end of this session of the Supreme Court draws to a close. Before it’s all over there’ll be a decision on Janus v. AFSCME which, if it goes as anticipated (in favor of Janus) will have a huge impact on the power of the teacher’s union. For all the latest news, and up-to-the-minute comment, visit edreform.com or go to https://standwithworkers.org/.
