Managing more people with fewer resources can make you feel like you’re constantly putting out fires. The path out of this management overload starts with a shift in how you lead. Here’s how to take control.
Group people together to reduce your load. If you lead more than 10 people, organize them into small, self-sufficient groups by function or project. Replace individual check-ins with team huddles focused on collaboration and problem-solving. Save one-on-ones for quarterly development conversations.
Say no—even to good ideas. Overload often comes from taking on too much. Prioritize rigorously, keep your commitments in one place, and train your team to finish one priority before starting the next. Protect your time from well-meaning distractions.
Start aligned, stay aligned. Don’t skip the kickoff. Begin each project with a quick pre-brief: Who owns what? What does success look like? What’s the backup plan? Alignment early on prevents chaos later.
Use meetings to solve problems, not recap them. Stop wasting meetings on status updates. Reserve face time for working through uncertainty and use async tools for simpler updates.
Set boundaries and be transparent. Decline unnecessary meetings and empower others to attend in your place. Be upfront about your bandwidth and train your team to bring you only what matters most. |
