How to Move From Reactive to Proactive Change

“Either you manage your time, or your time manages you” -Nir Eyal

Our ability to be 'scrappy' is often celebrated as a mark of agility and resourcefulness. Yet, it's crucial to recognize the underlying issues this 'scrappiness' may mask—particularly, our time management and prioritization skills.

Findings from the University of Oregon highlight a troubling trend: the average knowledge worker rarely enjoys even one uninterrupted hour per day. This constant state of disruption hampers our ability to focus, understand complex information, and connect the dots essential for innovative solutions. As we navigate through transformations, it becomes increasingly difficult for our teams to find the time and mental space to concentrate.

Try setting aside one to two hours weekly for undisturbed work. During these blocks, work to minimize distractions—no instant messages, emails, or notifications. This dedicated time is vital for enhancing your focus and overall productivity

Our brains naturally prefer certainty and tend to focus on familiar, immediate problems. However, as leaders driving change, you must foster a mindset that embraces the uncertainties of the future. If your teams are struggling to be more proactive, time block the opportunities for them to be proactive. 

Schedule a series of weekly meetings dedicated exclusively to proactive problem solving. Use these sessions to patiently and collaboratively address future challenges, without the pressure to find immediate solutions. Aim to stay disciplined in only discussing proactive agenda items during these meetings.

In today's digital age, distractions are just a click away. A startling consumer report revealed that the average person interacts with their smartphone over 2,000 times a day. Only 15% of smartphone users actually adjust their phone settings to reduce interruptions. To combat this, experiment with turning off most automatic notifications.