10 Things Managers Do Poorly When They Are Busy

We’ve all been there—drowning in a sea of tasks, deadlines looming, and the pressure to deliver results never letting up. 

But when we're busy, some crucial aspects of management can slip through the cracks. 

Let’s take a look at 10 things managers do poorly when they are busy:

1. Poor Decision Making: When under pressure, many managers rush decisions without adequate information. This can lead to costly mistakes that could have been avoided with a moment’s pause for thought.
2. Ineffective Communication: Busy managers often resort to quick emails or texts, missing the nuances and context needed for clear communication. This can create confusion and misalignment within teams.
3. Neglecting Empathy: In the hustle of a busy day, it’s easy to lose sight of team members’ feelings and challenges. Empathy is crucial for maintaining morale and fostering a supportive work environment.
4. Overlooking Feedback: With so much on their plate, managers might forget to solicit or provide constructive feedback. This deprives employees of the guidance they need to improve and grow.
5. Ignoring Employee Development: When focus shifts to immediate tasks, long-term employee growth often takes a backseat. Skipping mentoring or professional development opportunities can stifle your team’s potential.
6. Failure to Prioritize: Busy managers can become reactive, tackling urgent tasks first rather than identifying and addressing the most important ones. This can lead to inefficient use of time and resources.
7. Inability to Delegate: A common pitfall is micromanagement due to the belief that “if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” Not trusting your team to take on responsibilities can lead to burnout for both parties.
8. Rushing Meetings: When time is tight, meetings can become ticking-clock events, reducing their effectiveness. Important discussions can turn superficial, limiting collaboration and innovation.
9. Neglecting Work-Life Balance: In the quest for productivity, busy managers may neglect their own work-life balance. This not only affects personal well-being but can set a poor example for the team.
10. Failing to Reflect Lastly, when juggling multiple responsibilities, taking time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not often falls by the wayside. Continuous improvement is key to effective leadership.

Conclusion: Being busy doesn’t have to mean being ineffective. 

Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward more mindful management.

 If you want to enhance your productivity and gain control over your time, join my upcoming Productivity Pro 10X/Time Management Masterclass. 

Together, we can tackle these challenges head-on and set you on the path to becoming a more effective leader.

Click here to learn more and reserve your spot!

To your success, 

Shane Ram 

GoFor10 Elite Coach