The only management practice that’s now constant is the practice of constantly accommodating to change.
William McGowan, MCI Chairman
I admit I’ve been a workaholic. I was addicted to my work. I thought I was a peak performer, but I wasn’t. My creative work and energy were all consuming. I thrived on it. The very long hours were challenging and happy hours. Fear of failure largely motivated me. Unfortunately, my work became toxic when it affected my personal relationships. I’d forgotten how to have fun and lighten up.
We’re learning that too much work can be toxic, counter-productive, and just plain sickening. What makes a productive manager? It varies. But in one study, highly effective managers worked an average of 52 hours a week while less productive managers averaged 70 hours of work a week.
The interesting fact is less productive, longer hour working managers suffered from ‘significantly greater depression and anxiety.’ They reported twice the level of stress-related problems such as headaches, lower back pain, and stomach ailments. So, the bottom line cure seems to be: have fun, work hard but work smart.
Life Lesson Earned: The 40-hour workweek is long gone for many of us and 50 or more hours is all too common. ‘Finding balance’ and ‘getting a life’ have become life enhancing and life prolonging skills.