Leadership isn’t about having a title—it’s about making intentional choices. Whether you’re running your own business or working within a team, becoming the leader you aspire to be is achievable with just a few shifts in your weekly routine. These changes don’t require hours of extra effort—just a little focus and awareness.

If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed in your professional life, these tasks might seem like “fluffy” extras that you can’t afford to prioritize. But here’s the truth: taking even a few minutes to work on intentional leadership can make a significant difference in your clarity and effectiveness. If you’re short on time, consider incorporating these habits while you’re in the shower, during your commute, or on a break. Small moments add up to meaningful change.
 

1. Define Your “Win”

• What it looks like: Take time each week to clearly define what success means for you, your team, or a specific project. Identify one or two measurable outcomes that would make the week feel like a win. For example, success might be delivering an impactful presentation (define “impactful” by the outcome you want), resolving a team conflict, or reaching a project milestone.
• How to do it: Set aside a few minutes on Sunday evening or Monday morning to reflect. Ask yourself, “What needs to happen this week for us to feel like we’re moving in the right direction?” Jot down your goals in a note app, planner, or even on a sticky note—whatever keeps them top of mind.
• Why it works: Defining success sharpens your focus and sets clear priorities. This practice eliminates decision fatigue and ensures your energy goes toward meaningful outcomes.

2. Take Note of Your Energy Levels

• What it looks like: Strategic leaders manage their energy, not just their time. Notice when you feel most productive, creative, or drained during the day. Over time, you’ll recognize patterns and be able to schedule high-priority tasks during your most energetic periods.
• How to do it: Throughout your day, pause and ask yourself, “How do I feel right now? When was I most energized today?” Use natural moments of reflection, like waiting in line or at a red light, to note these patterns. For instance, if you’re more productive in the morning, schedule tasks that require focus during that time and reserve simpler tasks for low-energy periods.
• Why it works: Aligning tasks with your energy levels boosts efficiency and reduces burnout. By working with your natural rhythms, you’ll accomplish more with less effort.

3. Practice a Daily Management Sprint

• What it looks like: Dedicate a few focused minutes daily to leadership tasks. Use this time to address emails, check in with your team, or resolve project bottlenecks—all without distractions.
• How to do it: Pick a consistent time each day, such as the first 15 minutes of your workday or right after lunch. Set a timer and commit to working exclusively on management tasks. If necessary, block this time in your calendar to ensure it’s distraction-free.
• Why it works: Leadership responsibilities often get sidelined by urgent demands. A short, focused sprint keeps these tasks from piling up, ensuring that critical priorities are addressed daily.

4. Implement Vision 30

• What it looks like: Spend 30 minutes each week thinking about the bigger picture: your team’s goals, company direction, or your personal growth as a leader. This could involve brainstorming strategy ideas, reflecting on long-term objectives, or reading articles that inspire new approaches.
• How to do it: Throughout the week, use “stolen minutes” to ponder big-picture questions during your commute, lunch break, or a walk. Then, schedule a dedicated 30-minute session to organize these thoughts into actionable insights. This structured time ensures your reflections translate into real progress.
• Why it works: It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day grind, losing sight of long-term goals. By incorporating bite-sized strategic thinking into your week, you’ll stay proactive and lead with clarity.

The Bottom Line

Becoming a more intentional leader doesn’t require a massive time investment—it requires focus and creativity. By defining your “win,” tracking your energy, committing to daily management sprints, and carving out time for big-picture thinking, you can transform overlooked moments into powerful leadership opportunities. Over time, these small habits will lead to greater clarity, confidence, and purpose in your role.

If you're wanting to develop your personal leadership skills, we invite you to apply to our professional development program Leadership River Falls. Leadership River Falls is a bi-annual program designed to help professionals grow their leadership skills and connect with the community. The program consists of eight full-day sessions, each focused on different aspects of leadership and community involvement. Leadership River Falls provides participants with valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities to enhance their leadership journey.