Focus on Leadership: Harnessing Your Superpower
What is Leadership Focus, and Why Does it Matter?
Studies show the average attention span of humans in the 21st century has dropped to just 8.25
seconds—less than that of a goldfish. This shift has led experts to declare that focus and concentration are
now the true superpowers for professionals, more critical than skills or IQ.
For leaders, focus means more than just “keeping an eye on the ball.” It involves understanding your
organization’s mission and vision, identifying the most important tasks, and steering your team toward them.
Effective leadership also requires making strategic decisions about delegating tasks and ensuring the right
people are in the right roles.
Without focus, capacity-building.com warns, teams and organizations struggle. Strategies drift, leaving teams
unsure how to make tough decisions. This can lead to “decision paralysis”—a state where fear of making the
wrong decision leads to delayed action or, worse, no decision at all. Unfocused leadership spreads resources
too thin, diminishing accountability, morale, and organizational culture, ultimately costing the company its
competitive edge.
How Do Great Leaders Maintain Focus?
Effective leaders find tools to stay focused on their responsibilities. Leadership is a balance between strategic
thinking and decisive action. Lean too far toward thinking, and you may accomplish nothing; lean too far toward
action, and you risk regret.
With so many tasks demanding your attention, staying organized is key to maintaining focus. Tina Persson, an
Executive Coach with Passage2Pro, suggests using the 4Ds List to prioritize effectively.
To Do: High-priority tasks only you can handle.
To Delegate: Important tasks that others can oversee.
To Delay: Lower-priority tasks with no immediate deadline.
To Delete: Tasks that no longer serve your goals.
Persson also recommends applying the 3Rs Principle: Reflect, Remember, and Regroup.
Reflect: At the start of each day, prioritize tasks aligned with the organization’s mission.
Remember: Throughout the day, remind yourself why you’ve chosen those priorities.
Regroup: If things go off track, reassess and realign.
Make Leadership Focus Your Superpower
Leadership focus is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower that can help you, your team, and your
organization thrive. By honing your focus, staying organized, and applying the 3Rs, you can lead with purpose
and clarity.
Lead with focus,
Jeff
