Every leader has had the pleasure of participating in one or more different leadership development programs over the course of his or her career. These programs are supposed to prepare leaders across industries and countries for juggling a myriad of tasks and responsibilities. With so much on their plate, it’s easy for clutter and complexity to creep in and overwhelm even the most organized individuals.

This is why visionary leadership development programs truly cover business and people related content. Also essentials skills like decluttering and creating simplicity can be powerful tools for leaders. These are used to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. Therefore, one needs to learn all these early in any career.

Decluttering is the process of removing unnecessary items, tasks, or thoughts from one’s life. This can range from physical clutter such as excessive possessions to mental clutter such as negative self-talk. Simplifying involves streamlining tasks, reducing distractions, and focusing on what is truly important. When applied to a leader’s life, decluttering and simplicity can have numerous benefits.

Improved Productivity

Clutter and complexity can be major productivity killers. When there are too many items on a to-do list or too many distractions in the workplace, it’s easy to get bogged down and lose focus. In fact, research shows that multitasking and constant interruptions can reduce productivity by as much as 40% (1). By simplifying tasks and reducing distractions, leaders can improve their productivity and accomplish more in less time.

Enhanced Creativity

Clutter and complexity can also stifle creativity. When the mind is overwhelmed with too many thoughts or distractions, it can be difficult to generate new ideas or think outside the box. On the other hand, a simple and uncluttered environment can help the mind relax and make space for creativity to flourish. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, a clean and organized workspace can boost productivity and creativity by up to 30% (2).

Reduced Stress

Stress is a common problem for leaders, but decluttering and simplicity can help reduce its impact. When the mind is constantly juggling multiple tasks or worries, it can be difficult to relax and unwind. By simplifying tasks and reducing clutter, leaders can create a more peaceful and calming environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. In fact, a study by the University of California found that people who described their homes as “cluttered” or “disorganized” had higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress (3). An excellent reason why to make decluttering skills core for any leadership development program.

Improved Decision Making

Clutter and complexity can also impact decision making. When there are too many choices or distractions in your mind, it can become difficult for making clear and rational decisions. Simplifying tasks and reducing clutter can help clear the mind and make it easier to make informed and effective decisions. In fact, research shows that reducing the number of choices in a decision-making scenario can lead to better decisions (4).

Real-Life Examples

Many successful leaders have embraced decluttering and simplicity as part of their daily routine. Steve Jobs famously wore the same outfit every day to reduce decision fatigue and simplify his morning routine. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, reportedly wears the same gray t-shirt and hoodie every day to streamline his wardrobe. Billionaire investor Warren Buffet lives in a modest home and famously avoids frivolous spending to simplify his life and focus on his work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, decluttering and simplicity can be powerful tools for successful leaders looking to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. By streamlining tasks, reducing distractions, and focusing on what is truly important, leaders can create a more peaceful and productive environment that promotes creativity and effective decision making. Whether it’s simplifying a wardrobe, decluttering a workspace, or reducing the number of tasks on a to-do list, small changes can make a big impact. Unfortunately, nobody trains, studies, or learns these skills in the best academic institutions. Thus it is essential to make decluttering skills core in any leadership development program.

Curious to experience a leadership development program that delivers all this? Reach out to us office@braininspa.com and join our next batch of Be.Me. Self-Leadership Program!

References:

Mark, G., & Gudith, D. (2018). The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress. Journal of Applied Psychology, 103(6), 592–606.