It’s safe to say that “I just have too much free time at work” isn’t something you hear from many leaders. In fact, being busy has become a badge of honor—a signal that you’re essential, productive, and in demand. The idea of having too much time sounds almost suspect, as if it somehow suggests you’re not pulling your weight.
But in the age of hyperconnectivity, packed calendars, and constant notifications, one of the most critical skills leaders must develop isn’t time management—it’s attention allocation. Unlike time, which ticks forward whether we like it or not, our attention is something we can control, direct, and invest with intention. And how you manage it shapes not just your effectiveness—but your team’s as well.
Modeling Focus from the Top
As any parent knows, kids don’t listen to what you say—they mirror what you do. The same goes for teams. Leaders set the standard for how attention is handled in the workplace. If you respond to every ping the moment it arrives, your team will believe that’s what’s expected. If you’re constantly available, they’ll follow suit—even if it means sacrificing focus.
You can shift this culture by modeling more intentional behavior. Try responses like:
- “This sounds important and I want to give it my full attention. Let’s find a time when I can be fully present.”
- “I’m working on something urgent—if this isn’t time-sensitive, email me and I’ll respond later today.”
- “That’s a great question. What have you tried so far?”
You can also create structure around when you’re accessible and when you’re not. Set specific blocks for checking email and make it clear to your team. A surgeon wouldn’t be answering texts mid-operation; why treat your high-value tasks with less focus?
Train Your Brain to Be Present
Distraction is now a default mode, not an exception. Psychologists have even coined the term “nomophobia” to describe the anxiety people feel when separated from their phones. But leadership requires presence—especially in key moments like one-on-ones, team meetings, or strategic planning.
When you sit down with someone, be all in. Silence your phone, turn off your screen, and physically orient yourself toward them. Over time, they’ll notice—and so will you. You’ll start to retrain your brain to resist the urge to multitask and instead build a stronger capacity for deep work.
Ironically, giving someone your full attention doesn’t just benefit them. It boosts your focus, too—helping you become more efficient and less reactive throughout your day.
Understand the Real Value of Your Time
Not all tasks are created equal. To prioritize your attention wisely, you have to understand what your time is truly worth. Do the math: take your target annual earnings and divide by your estimated working hours. Then double it. That’s your “prime time” rate—the value of your time when it’s being used on high-impact, strategic activities.
Use this awareness to sharpen your priorities. Is reorganizing your inbox during your most productive hours really the best use of your value? Should a casual hallway chat derail your momentum? You don’t need to be rigid—but you do need to be mindful. Prioritize time for deep, meaningful work over reactive tasks that fill the day but don’t move the needle.
Reclaim Power with Boundaries
No matter how well you prioritize, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything. That’s not a failure—it’s a fact. Let go of the illusion that balance means fitting it all in. Instead, build boundaries that protect your most valuable attention.
That might mean saying no to an extra committee, delegating personal errands, or simply deciding that after 6 p.m., you’re unavailable. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re frameworks. They create clarity, reduce burnout, and make sure you’re showing up where you’re needed most.
Your Focus Is Your Influence
Attention is your most powerful leadership tool. It sends a message—to yourself, your team, and your organization—about what matters. When you allocate it with intention, you model a culture of respect, efficiency, and clarity. You also empower others to rise up and take ownership of their time, too.
You’ll never control the clock. But you can control where your mind goes—and that’s where leadership
