What to Do, When You Can Do Anything

Yesterday, I was meeting with one of our managers here at Slide UX about some changes in responsibilities. As we talked, I kept thinking about the time competition that comes with any well-rounded, talented teammate. When someone can do a lot of things, it's especially hard to figure out the BEST use of their time. But it’s VERY necessary. Because the last thing we want is for one person to be burned out or stretched too thin, especially while others are available who’d be thrilled to help. 

As a product leader, you are likely very motivated, talented, smart, and experienced. You’d do well at many of the things you might set your mind to. And because of that, you’re probably tempted to do a lot of things yourself. 

You also probably know that it's not ideal. It takes any of us longer to figure something out when we’re unfamiliar with it. And a first-timer’s quality is rarely that of someone with experience. So wisdom dictates that if we can, we should invest our own time specifically in things we really want to be good at. 

Think carefully about where you choose to focus your own energy. What’s your specialty? We’ve previously talked about focusing on your secret sauce. Don't be afraid to bring in experts who can get you from point A to point B faster, even if it's something you feel you could eventually figure out yourself. Because your time is uniquely valuable. If you spend it doing something you're not specialized in, you could potentially take longer than you need to, only to deliver a first-timer’s result. 

This week’s challenge: What is something you’re currently doing that someone else could handle? That might mean hiring experts like Slide UX, or delegating to other members of your team who can focus on particular responsibilities and do them faster and more reliably.

Because even though you’re amazing, burnout is real. Work smarter, not harder. You’ll get more done, better, by focusing on what you’re specialized in.