Leadership in business is the capacity of a company’s management to set and achieve challenging goals, take fast and decisive action when needed, outperform the competition, and inspire others to perform at the highest level they can.
It can be difficult to place a value on leadership or other qualitative aspects of a company, versus quantitative metrics that are commonly tracked and much easier to compare between companies. Leadership can also speak to a more holistic approach, as in the tone a company’s management sets or the culture of the company that management establishes.
Individuals with strong leadership skills in the business world often rise to executive positions such as CEO (Chief Executive Officer).
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a CEO looks like? A study published by Harvard Business Review sheds light on how those in the top spot use their time. The study tracked how 27 CEOs of companies spent their days. Altogether, the study found that CEOs worked an average of 62.5 hours a week. But what does that week entail?
Here is Daniel Brooks, CEO and Founder of Rdentify, answering some questions about his working day.
What time do you usually wake up?
Between 7.00 -7.30 am.
What do you typically have for breakfast?
Usually a yogurt and a black coffee during the week.
What is the rest of your morning routine?
I get my son ready for nursery, read the news and check my emails. Sometimes I think about going for a run, then quickly decide against it!
What is the first thing you do at the start of your working day?
Review my to do list from the night and look at the numbers from the previous day before connecting with the wider team.
How do you prioritise your day’s work?
I set a plan at the beginning of the week and try my best to stick with it. Inevitably things crop up, so before I check out at the EOD I write a to do list for the following morning to keep me on track. I try and consider what value the task does for the business and this helps ensure that I concentrate of the right things.
Do you plan meetings or are they a waste of time?
Keeping the team organised, listening to feedback, and building on relationships with partners is one of the main stays of a successful business. Human interaction is key to everything we build and to strong connections.
Do you have a working lunch or is it good to take a break?
It’s always good to switch off even if it’s just for 5 mins so I try and take a designated lunch break. Sometimes it slips and I try not to be too rigid but as a rule – yes I do.
When does your working day finish?
It really depends on workload and client meetings. I always try and switch off between 6-7pm so I can put my child to bed. But depending on how the day has progressed, I might switch the laptop back on after that.
How do you prepare for the next day’s work?
I consider what was achieved the previous week, I consider the overall business goals and I then spend some time preparing a list of tasks I want to see achieved. I go back to this list daily in order to ensure I stay on track.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
My mobile phone. I have everything I need there. All it needs now is a better battery!
How do you switch off?
Meditation, beer and food (not usually at the same time). Of course, family time is my absolute favourite.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
