There is a strategy all world-class executives share in common that helps them solve complex problems and prioritize key objectives, rather than getting caught in the weeds.

And it’s likely not what you think.

Because next level performance requires a next level strategy. And the next level you need almost always feels counterintuitive to the way you’ve always done things.

Let me give you a quick example.

The other week I was texting back and forth with an executive whose work-life had gone from hectic to borderline chaotic over the past several weeks. In an attempt to handle all the extra workload and responsibility, he had resorted to putting in longer hours.

I challenged his thinking around this.

I encouraged him to prioritize one spot in his calendar where he holds a 30min “Executive Strategy Meeting” with HIMSELF, out of his office and away from others.

No phone
No computer
No music
No productivity

This was edgy for him because when you are overwhelmed with projects, deadlines, fires, and personnel issues, the LAST thing you think you need is to take a step back from “productivity”.

I told him I could give him a body of research proving that if he took even 15-min, it’d make him 50%+ more productive for the remainder of the day. And that slowing down for a moment would allow his brain to catch up, likely producing 2-3 ideas or solutions without effort. 

Here’s the text he sent me after creating 15-min of space in his day, away from distractions and out of his normal work environment:

(Btw, did you catch my typo? Didn’t catch that until just now, thanks autocorrect!)

Fifteen minutes became a portal to solutions for complex problems that would have taken HOURS of trying to solve from his desk.

For me, some of the most impactful time I spend in my workweek is when I go outside to scoop our dogs’ poop in the backyard. Not my favorite activity, but I can’t argue with the results!

I could give you a dozen other stories of clients of mine who have implemented this strategy where major business ideas and breakthroughs occurred, creating more income, time efficiencies, and more impact as a result.

The question is – when are YOU going to prioritize this counterintuitive strategy of slowing down so you can speed up?