White Space: Unscheduled Time
If every minute of your day involves a meeting which is back-to-back-to-back, white space is an ally you must find and embrace. In this environment, you may experience elation or exhaustion, but never greatness or satisfaction.
White space is your MOST valuable time . . . . when used properly. You (like me) often use our limited “down time” to read/send email, update this spreadsheet, etc. If this is how you spend the 15 minutes between meetings, this is NOT white space.
White space is time for you to decompress, think (I mean REALLY think) through solutions, clear your mind with meditation, prayer, mindfulness, push ups, or a walk.
You will likely have to fight to create and protect your white space. It is a battle worth fighting. Many managers fool themselves into thinking that scheduling every minute with work/meetings/etc is path to success. The inevitable ulcers, chest pains, and disappointments will prove otherwise.
The tragic irony is that white space improves your performance, every time, every day, without exception.
Suggestions (only because I don’t have the authority to ORDER you):
– Schedule AT LEAST one hour in your day for your “white space” – ensure this is reflected as “busy” on your schedule.
– Leave at least 30 minutes between meetings. Yes, this is difficult. Life is difficult. Do it. Try it. Trust me (ugghh . . I know). How often do you have so many meetings in a day, that you fail to provide the takeaways the proper attention they deserve?
Quality over quantity. You are a gourmet restaurant not McDonalds.
