When You’re Too Busy for People, You’re Too Busy.

I used to work in an open office floor plan, which meant I could see staff coming a mile away when they came to stop by at my desk.

I remember spotting them out of the corner of my eye while being in the middle of ‘super important busy work’. Things like prepp’ing for an investor presentation, board reports, emails, listening to sales calls etc.

As they walked down the aisle, I remember thinking to myself ‘oh no, not now. I’m too busy for this. I have so much to do… please don’t come over...’

But sure enough… they would come and ask to sit down and share deal notes, ask my advice on delivering price, objection handling, frustrations with the latest change and just to vent etc.

I would force aside my frustrations (and my inward eye roll) put on my *that sounds super interesting* face and turn around to chat.

After they left, I would pat myself on the back for being a good manager then turn back to the ‘really important work’.

The team grew quickly. After we passed 100 people, this became unmanageable and I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated. I felt like I spent too much time doing these brief impromptu catch-ups instead of focusing on the “super important” stuff.

Not too long after this. I sent out my quarterly T3B3 (Top 3, Bottom 3) feedback request. To my shock and horror, someone said that:

“Matt can come off as unapproachable and dismissive”.

I couldn’t believe it.

But I tried so hard to put on my *I’m interested face*…. surely they realize how much work I have to do ! ?

This feedback was the catalyst that formed one of my greatest lessons in leadership:

“WHEN YOU’RE TOO BUSY FOR PEOPLE, YOU’RE TOO BUSY”

The emails, the slacks, the meetings… it all falls secondary to supporting the team to get results. 

THAT is the job. 

Everyone says they have an open door policy, but when we’re honest, do you really want people to come and knock on your door. Do you really enjoy being interrupted? 

An open door policy means you WELCOME it. It means you are genuinely happy to talk regardless of the looming deadlines.

Now obviously there are busy seasons and there are times where being interrupted isn’t appropriate… but when you are always too busy… then there is a problem.

There are a few things I’ve tried along that way that helped at different times:

1. You can only come to me if you have three things (only appropriate when people continually have menial / non urgent requests)

2. Send me a slack first (allows me to think about it before they come over and/or direct them to the right person)

3. Give yourself time to engage with them: "Hey, give me 30 seconds." (this gave me a moment to mentally prepare and give 100% of my focus and attention)

4. Ask your manager first (so when they came over I knew it must be important and treated it more seriously)

This was about three years ago now but I still remember that feedback punching me in the gut and knowing that I needed to change.

Do you?

I’m not perfect at this now by any means, but I’m constantly aware of it and making sure that I’m shaping a healthy perception of myself.

Thanks for reading,

Matt T