Factor One | Clarity.
Clarity is a discipline. It knows what we want to go after in our life and work. If you lead a family, team, or organization, you can stay very busy doing all kinds of irrelevant activities, and most know what this is like and how it feels. Or you can identify those things that only you can or should do to help others meet their objectives. The reason many leaders don’t leverage this early enough is that it requires some deep reflection, honesty, self-realization, and feedback to hone in this discipline. It is far easier to be attracted to immediate and urgent concerns than it is to clarify what is essential for you to – and for your team members. A disposition for personal clarity is of primary importance to the leader, and you will find that your people crave it in a time of uncertainty.

Factor Two | Less is more.
A leadership mindset that is focused on less, but on the right priorities, will by nature address other minor interruptions. The "less is more" precept is something always stirring around in the back of a leader's mind. With a bit of strategic thinking, they understand that focusing on doing first things first will address bigger issues, and keep them, and others, running from one small issue to another. If two leaders of equal talent, enthusiasm, and experience work the same business market in the same manner but one focuses 100% of their time on activities that lead to results, who do you think is going to win out? Getting things done is not the focus of a great leader, it accomplishing the right objectives. Zig Ziglar said years ago, “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem.” There are far too many distractions day to day. Those I know who focus on these few essential things always achieve far more than others.

Factor Three | Evaluate.
The best leaders continually evaluate their time and work priorities. This is in order to keep the main thing the main thing and not allowing their time to be absorbed up by less important things. They evaluate their time commitments carefully to ensure that what they say "yes" to is consistent with their key objectives. They will say "no" often - but with good reason. They may use the word "no" a lot more than others to increase give time or effort in another area. Steve Jobs said, “Focusing is about saying no.” Weekly, monthly and annually a leader should take time to evaluate their objectives and alignment with what is most important. They are willing to stop doing those things that do not contribute to their goals.

If you practice these simple principles you will be amazed at how much more productive you are and by extension, your team.