Experts say a lot of things about a lot of different topics. For instance, they say the average new car can depreciate 28 percent during the first year of ownership. By the second year, it’s down to 48 percent. Other experts say heart disease is the number one cause of death in America, that more than half of all marriages end in divorce, and that nearly half the world, over three billion people, live on less than $2.50 a day.
And, yes, experts say sleeping naked helps regulate body temperature–giving you a more peaceful, restful, night’s sleep.
All of the above are interesting nuggets to chew on as we meander through both our personal and professional lives. The irony about all these nuggets is that they have turned each of us into an expert of a different kind–experts at filtering the gobs of information strewn at us daily.
When it comes to leading others, we don’t have time to think about every study, survey result, or piece of advice. For example, do you think about the right way to fire an employee if nobody deserves to be fired? No. Do you think about how to recruit the best people if you’re not hiring? No. Do you think about low engagement scores if expectations are being met? Sadly, the answer is often no.
What if our human brains–our information filtering systems–are getting too good at not paying attention to advice and information that could improve our effectiveness as leaders?
As a leader, how can you become better at knowing which advice, studies, and reports to focus on? Here are three things I’ve discovered to help prioritize information.
1. Timing isn’t everything.
While each of us are tasked with daily responsibilities and unexpected surprises that must be dealt with, working solely in reaction mode can make progress seem nearly impossible.
Bestselling Author Ken Blanchard told me during an interview years ago that, “people and companies need to focus specifically on both the present and the future.” Blanchard talked about how those two focuses need to happen separately. In an organization, the present and future might be divided amongst different people. And, for an individual, they might be divided into hours of the day, or days of the week.
The point is, when it comes to choosing the best information or advice to focus on, ask which bucket the advice falls into–the present or the future–and make sure to schedule time for both.
2. Interesting doesn’t equal practical.
While an article focused on sleeping naked and all its health benefits may draw in a reader, the practice may not be practical in many people’s lives, or relatable to their current needs.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t understand the science or study. It simply means that while ‘Toxic Tony’ needs to be fired, or your workplace culture is suffering from low morale, that you shouldn’t be spending your time worrying about what you wear to bed.
When you come across interesting information, ask yourself if there’s something more practical you need to research first. Figure out what you need to know. Take care of the situation, and then schedule your articles of interest for another time.
3. Is it on your path to greatness?
We all have goals and dreams. If you’re a leader, your path–how you inspire the best from people–is defined by the leadership decisions you make on a daily basis.
You know there’s a wealth of information out there about how to be a better leader. But, where do you start? What do you focus on? Research shows, hands down, that appreciation is the number one thing employees say that causes them to create great work. In fact, it is three times greater than any other item employees say they wanted from their boss–including promotions, raises, and autonomy.
While many leaders appreciate their people, they often view recognition as a soft practice that can take a back seat. However, if you can’t find the time to show appreciation for your people, your people will find someone else who will find the time.
There’s a ton of advice and information in the world today. All of it can teach us something, but sadly, we can’t consume it all. Learn to prioritize advice for your life. And, if you choose to sleep naked, just be sure to close the blinds.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.