In the fast-paced modern world, a leader has never been more accessible, and much more distractible (aren’t we all!). Leaders are now available across a myriad of communication channels and platforms. Sure, we can stay in touch with more of our team more often, and we can remain closer to the ‘coalface’, but this accessibility comes at a significant cost.

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As a leader, your primary responsibility is to guide the organisation towards long term success and growth. In the context of professional services, this means running a team which delivers quality work, whilst also putting yourself in the best position to win new work. A fine balancing act which requires dedicated time and mental bandwidth - a resource that is very quickly depleted if we get unnecessarily drawn down into the unnecessary day-to day.

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The solution lies in how we train and empower our team. Trust and accountability are essential in. developing a culture where team members are held accountable, where leaders appropriately delegate operational tasks thereby ensuring that they have the time and capacity to focus on whattruly matters.‍

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Practical tips to manage access Here are some strategies to consider:

• Set clear boundaries - define specific times when you are available, and don't let your diary run away from you. Define specific open and closed door times, where appropriate.
• Delegate effectively - trust others to handle day-to-day issues so you don't unnecessarily ’dip down’.
• Foster accountability - team members need to be responsible for the operational matters that you remit. This requires a leader to ‘let go’- any tasks, projects or client work you delegate may not necessarily be done how you would do them, and that's okay, as long as it is done well enough and progression achieved.
• Focus on execution - a good strategy well executed will always trump the best strategy or idea poorly executed. Keep this in mind.
• Prioritise strategic time - block out regular time in your calendar dedicated to strategic planning and thinking including winning new work, preferably in a group setting.
• Invest in team and leadership training skills - this enhances the skills and confidence of those around you.
• Finally, look after yourself - I love the work of Simon Senik and his emphasis on servant leadership. Truth is, we cannot serve others unless we look after our health and wellness, and make that an important priority. By prioritising your health and managing your time effectively, we also role model the importance of work-life balance, strategic focus and overall wellness. When people look to you as a leader they will always give primacy to what you do, not what you say! For those of us that are parents, don’t we all know only too well that the same applies to our kids!!