Could Better Time Management Strengthen Your Leadership?

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Bad time management isn’t just an inconvenience—it could be the reason your team is drowning in stress and unnecessary work.

• When doctors take the Hippocratic Oath, it’s not just words—it’s a lifelong commitment to act, even in uncertain times.

• Setting goals isn’t just about writing them down—it’s about making sure they actually get done.

• What you eat, how you train, and even how you think can dramatically reshape your mental resilience.

• Burnout isn’t just a buzzword for doctors—it’s a ticking time bomb accelerating aging and distress.

• When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to stay and contribute at a high level.

LOUNGE TALK

Poor time management is one of the biggest culprits behind workplace stress and inefficiency. According to SHRM, 84% of workers believe poorly trained managers create unnecessary work and stress, with time management being a critical issue. When leaders fail to manage their time well, they often overload employees, create last-minute emergencies, and fail to provide proper support. Five key flaws include assigning work without understanding workload, making last-minute requests, not setting boundaries with upper management, being unavailable to employees, and failing to provide recognition. Solutions include using task management tools, planning ahead, setting clear priorities, scheduling regular check-ins, and giving timely feedback. Small changes can lead to big improvements in employee engagement, morale, and retention. In short, great leadership starts with mastering time.

The medical oath isn’t just a formality—it’s a guiding principle, especially in times of uncertainty. Physicians pledge to prioritize patient well-being, respect human dignity, and uphold medical ethics regardless of political or social pressures. Today, many see threats to these principles, from interference at the NIH and CDC to disruptions at WHO and USAID. While doctors may differ on specific policies, the American College of Physicians (ACP) and global medical leaders stress the need for advocacy. Responses vary—from staying informed and joining professional organizations to engaging in policy discussions and public outreach. Ultimately, each physician must find their own way to uphold the oath, using their skills and voice to defend ethical medical practice.

Effective goal-setting goes beyond listing targets—it requires a structured approach that builds accountability. Without clear ownership, well-defined milestones, and regular check-ins, goals risk becoming empty promises. The key is to align goals with a bigger mission, involve teams in the process, and create a culture of transparency where progress and setbacks are openly discussed. Metrics should be used as tools for improvement rather than as performance threats. Common mistakes, like setting too many goals, tracking the wrong metrics, or failing to follow up, can derail progress. To avoid these pitfalls, managers should focus on a few key objectives, measure meaningful outcomes, and implement regular check-ins. When done right, goal-setting becomes more than just an exercise—it becomes a culture-driving force that keeps teams engaged and accountable.

Mental health isn’t just a personal concern—it’s a business asset. For entrepreneurs managing high-pressure decisions, unexpected factors like gut health, strength training, and even gratitude can significantly impact resilience and productivity. Learning to harness “good stress” (eustress) can turn challenges into opportunities, while avoiding chronic stress prevents burnout. Nutrition plays a critical role, with gut-friendly foods supporting mood regulation and ultra-processed foods increasing the risk of depression. Strength training is an underutilized mental health booster, reducing anxiety through low-to-moderate intensity resistance exercises. Lastly, gratitude practices improve emotional well-being and workplace relationships, fostering a culture of success. By integrating these simple strategies, entrepreneurs can improve both their mental health and their business performance.

Physicians often push their limits, but biology doesn’t bend to ambition. Despite knowing the science of aging, many doctors work long hours and ignore personal health, leading to accelerated aging, burnout, and even increased risk of early mortality. Research shows that aging occurs in bursts, with major shifts in the 40s and 60s impacting cognitive and physical function. Physician burnout costs the U.S. healthcare system billions annually and leads to exhaustion, detachment, and declining productivity. Older doctors, in particular, face heightened risks, including skill deterioration and increased medical errors. While perfectionism drives many in the field, it also fuels distress, making retirement seem like an unattainable luxury. A mindset shift is needed—physicians must prioritize their well-being, recognize their limits, and embrace the reality that aging is inevitable. Retiring with dignity isn’t failure; it’s a well-earned choice.

Managers often hesitate to connect their high-performing employees with senior leadership, fearing they’ll be bypassed, overshadowed, or even replaced. However, fostering a strong relationship between your direct report and your boss can actually enhance your leadership credibility and improve team visibility. To navigate this dynamic successfully, managers should first identify their insecurities and recognize the benefits of their employees gaining exposure. Clearly communicating the purpose of skip-level meetings helps employees see them as growth opportunities rather than red flags. Transparency with both the employee and the boss ensures that work priorities remain aligned, preventing burnout or misalignment.

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QUICK BITES

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