Good leaders go into any role knowing there might be interruptions at any moment. While it is assumed that these might be real-time interruptions there are many variations to examine.
The first way a leader might have an interruption is with an action plan. Somehow carefully planned goals get derailed. These could be unexpected, overlooked, or unanticipated challenges. A good leader will acknowledge the oversight, regroup, and keep moving forward.
Also, leaders might encounter a distraction with their thoughts. Daydreaming or brainstorming might the first set of distractions. Another facet might be stress-induced or rest-mandated trains of thought. At this point, leaders might consider other opportunities through the interruptions that emerge. No harm, no foul as long as the leader stays focused.
Finally, leaders might be prone to accept the agenda of others. Whenever there are multiple angles and dynamics at play with a leader’s action plan there is always the possibility of distraction. We can see this when a coach has an agenda and then a team player has another goal in mind. The coach’s action plan might be influenced in various ways.
Regardless of the interruptions that emerge, it is up to each leader to stay the course.
Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
