Want To Be A More Effective Leader? Get Organized

What's the first step you take to become a more efficient leader? There are, of course, varied leadership styles, but a key element of mine is trying to set the example for a balanced, organized professional life. For instance, I always spend the first part of my day sorting through emails – I'm happiest when my inbox is as close to empty as I can get it– which reduces distraction, giving me a clear vision of what needs to be achieved for the day. The goal is to spend as little time as possible throughout the day worrying about unresolved tasks and other peripheral concerns, and to model an organized system of productivity to my team.

Of course, one of the greatest benefits of having a balanced, organized professional life, is that this will in turn create more opportunity, and good habits, for a balanced, organized personal life.