In today’s world of business, time is a commodity. Those who have time and space can innovate and grow their companies. Leaders who run from meeting to meeting find they waste time with little to gain.

In reality, no one has more time than anyone else. What they have are time management skills. Enter the 30-minute CEO, a new type of leader that manages their time wisely, knowing when to say no.

What is the 30-Minute CEO?

The term ‘30-minute CEO’ describes leaders who limit the time they devote to each meeting or task. They know how to prioritize and use their time efficiently. Much of that is about saying no or stifling people with the gift of gab.

Learning to Say No

The first, and perhaps hardest, lesson is learning how to say no. Many leaders struggle with this simple two-letter word, fearing they will hurt someone’s feelings and potentially damage relationships. However, those who can’t say no will waste time on unnecessary meetings and tasks that take them away from more pressing responsibilities.

So how do you say no? Here are a few tips:

• Be Clear and Direct: Avoid language that hints that you may be able to take care of the tasks at some other point. Divert responsibility by saying, “I’m sorry, I’m unable to take care of this task.” If you have a valid excuse, you may want to present it, but avoid getting bogged down in the details.
• Express Appreciation: You may be asked to take on a task that requires exceptional professional skills, hinting that you were sought out for your expertise. In these instances, show your appreciation when declining.
• Set Boundaries: You may relieve yourself of the unwanted task of saying no by setting boundaries. For example, letting your staff know you are unavailable on evenings and weekends will eliminate the need to turn down tasks that pop up during these timeframes.
• Propose Alternatives: No one likes to hear the word no, but you can reduce the impact by suggesting someone else take on the task.

Cutting Long Conversations Short

Many leaders aim to keep meetings short to attend to other needs, but then someone with the gift of gab comes in, and a 30-minute meeting turns into an hour-long meeting. Fortunately, there are ways to cut off yappers.

• Tell Them You Have to Leave: Obviously, the most effective strategy is telling the person you have other priorities you must take care of. For example, you may say,” I’m sorry, but I have another appointment. I have to go.”
• Offer Another Time to Discuss Business: If there’s more to the conversation, suggest you finish it on another day.
• Cut to the Chase Early On: If you know you’re about to enter a meeting with a talker, make the conversation more efficient by stating your needs upfront. Then, extract the necessary information from them to eliminate extraneous talk.

Other Time Management Skills

Various other time management skills will help you reclaim your calendar. Here are some to consider:

• Prioritize: Determine which projects are a priority and get to them first. Include white space in your priorities, ensuring you have time to think.
• Time Block: Set aside time for each task to ensure you complete what you set out to do.
• Delegate: When tasks get overwhelming, delegate them to team members. Empower teams so they are prepared to take on various tasks and feel comfortable in flexible roles.
• Plan and Organize: Plan your day considering your timeline. Use calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to stay organized.
• Set Goals and Deadlines: Set short and long-term goals and deadlines to make your work more focused. If you don’t reach daily goals, make them a priority for tomorrow.
• Set Agendas in Meetings: Set meeting agendas to make them brief and concise.
• Prioritize Self-Care: A busy schedule doesn’t leave much time for self-care. However, leaders who neglect self-care needs will experience burnout and illnesses that slow them down in the long run. Ensure you have a healthy work-life balance, making time to meditate, breathe deeply, and spend time with friends and family.

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