In "The Cult of Busyness" by Shayla Love, she defines this concept as "Busyness is not only about packing each day with as much as possible, but also the value placed on doing so: Being busy makes people feel good about themselves, and they use busyness, voluntarily, to signal their worth to others." Or as Gordon Gekko states in the movie Wall Street, “Lunch is for wimps.”
The "cult of busyness" can be a pervasive force in the modern workplace, especially for executives. We often wear long hours like a badge of honor, equate exhaustion with productivity, and constantly feel the pressure to "do more, be more." This relentless pursuit of achievement comes at a cost, impacting not only our well-being but also our leadership effectiveness. Research in 2016 found that "knowledge workers (people who think about stuff for a living, essentially) spent as little as 39 per cent of their working day doing their actual job, with the remaining three-fifths of their day absorbed by meetings, emails and updates." I can imagine that this number is also impacted by the rise of tools such as Teams and Slack.
Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and best-selling author, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. She writes "We are a culture of people who’ve bought into the idea that if we stay busy enough, the truth of our lives won’t catch up with us." This relentless busyness can mask underlying issues, leading to burnout and decreased effectiveness. Instead, Brown advocates for embracing vulnerability and creating space for introspection. Executives should schedule regular time for reflection and strategic thinking, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
As an executive leader and supervisor, I have my Millenial and Gen Z colleagues to thank for helping me to reject this cult of busyness and examine my own work practices. Generations Z and Millennials have entered the workforce with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional achievement. This shift in values has been transformational, pushing companies to embrace flexible work arrangements, prioritize mental health initiatives, and create a more holistic work environment. Their influence has led to a redefinition of success, moving away from the "always-on" culture and towards a sustainable approach that benefits both employees and employers.
Simon Sinek, an author known for his book "Start With Why," highlights the importance of purpose-driven leadership. Sinek says, "Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion." By aligning their actions with their core values and purpose, executives can avoid the trap of busyness for busyness’s sake. It’s essential to prioritize tasks that contribute to long-term goals and delegate or eliminate those that don’t. This intentional approach not only reduces stress but also enhances overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Patrick Lencioni, a pioneer in organizational health and author of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," stresses the importance of teamwork and trust. He notes, "When people are overwhelmed with work, it is often because they are not working together as a cohesive team." Lencioni advocates for fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, where team members can rely on each other and share the workload effectively. By building strong, trusting relationships within their teams, executives can distribute responsibilities more evenly and create a more balanced work environmenWhy We Fall Prey to Busyness:
So, why do we fall into this trap? As Brené Brown reminds us, "vulnerability is not weakness; it's our most authentic strength." The first step in breaking free from the cult of busyness is acknowledging its impact. Are you constantly stressed and exhausted? Do you find yourself sacrificing relationships and personal well-being in the name of work? If so, it's time to re-evaluate your approach. Patrick Lencioni, in his book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," identifies a lack of trust within teams as a key driver of busyness. When team members don't have trust in each other's skills and commitment, they may feel compelled to "overwork" to compensate.
Practical Tips for Busy Executives:
Here are some practical tips to help you break free from the cult of busyness and reclaim control of your time and well-being:
Define Your Why:
Take time to reflect on your "why," your core purpose as a leader. What drives you beyond personal gain? What impact do you want to have on your organization and the people you work with? Connecting to a deeper purpose can provide the internal validation and drive that makes busyness unnecessary.
Prioritize ruthlessly:
Not all tasks are created equal. Learn to differentiate between activities that truly move the needle and those that are merely busywork. Focus your energy on the high-impact activities that align with your "why." Consider using a time management framework like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks effectively.
Embrace Delegation and Empowerment:
You don't have to do it all. Empower your team by delegating tasks and responsibilities that align with their strengths. This not only frees up your time but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability within your team.
Schedule Time for "Whitespace":
Don't underestimate the power of downtime. Schedule regular periods of "whitespace" in your calendar for unstructured time. This could be for reflection, strategic thinking, or simply disconnecting from work altogether. As Brene Brown says, "Rest is not idleness, and it is not a waste of time. Rest is necessary."
Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time:
Learn to say no to requests that don't align with your priorities or "why." Set realistic boundaries with your time and communicate them effectively to your team and colleagues. Respect your own need for time off and encourage others to do the same.
Focus on Outcomes, not Activities:
Shift your focus from being busy to being effective. Evaluate your success based on the outcomes you achieve, not the number of hours you work. Remember, leadership is about results, not busyness.
Invest in Your Well-being:
Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you recharge. A well-rested and healthy leader is a more effective leader.
Lead by Example:
Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk. Model the behaviors you expect from your team. Show them that it's okay to prioritize well-being, take breaks, and leave work on time. A culture change starts at the top.
What can organizations do to combat this philosophy?
According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, organizations should 1) reward output, not just activity, 2) assess whether your organization is generating deep work and eliminating low-value work, 3) force people off the clock, 4) model the right behavior, and 5) build slack into the system.
Breaking free from the cult of busyness is not about working less. It's about working smarter and more strategically. By focusing on your "why," prioritizing ruthlessly, and investing in your well-being, you can reclaim control of your time, lead more effectively, and create a culture of sustainable success for yourself and your team. Remember, leadership is not a marathon, it's a sprint – a marathon of sprints. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy and focus to be present and impactful in the moments that matter most.
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