Make Work Matter: 3 Habits to Cut the Noise and Find Focus

lead people work smart

A question I often ask is: How can I work and lead with more intention? Especially with the people I interact with every day?

Whether you're leading a team or simply trying to stay on top of your own workload, there’s something powerful about stepping back and asking: Is the way I’m working helping me/us move forward? Or just keeping me busy?

Here are three habits to help you refocus and work in ways that matter:

1. Communicate Clearly—Especially the Why

Over the years, I've seen it all: strong goals, unclear goals, too many goals, and sometimes no goals at all. I’ve coached leaders who say their teams aren't strategic—and employees who desperately want to be, but don’t know how because they’re missing the bigger picture.

A global study once found that only 10% of employees understand their company’s strategy—and only 40% of managers do.

That’s a lot of people working hard without clarity.

For leaders: If you create the strategy, communicate it—early and often. Share the “why,” not just the “what.” Your people can’t align their work with the mission if they don’t know what success looks like.

For individuals: If the strategy isn’t clear, ask until it is. Don’t sit in confusion. The more context you have, the more you can focus on what truly matters—and the more value you’ll bring to your role.

2. Schedule the Connection You Crave

The number one barrier to meaningful connection at work? Time.

Every time I work with leaders, I hear it: “I wish I had more time for my team.” And yet, the most impactful teams are the ones that pause to connect—because connection removes roadblocks, builds trust, and drives results.

For leaders: Map out your critical touchpoints now. Schedule strategy sessions, team meetings, check-ins, and networking time with intention. If it’s on the calendar, it stands a chance. If not, it won’t happen.

For individuals: Don’t wait for your manager or someone else to initiate. Ask for the check-ins, feedback sessions, mentoring. Reach out to those you want to build with, and pencil in a few informal chats each quarter.

3. Eliminate What’s Not Working

In Why Simple Wins, Lisa Bodell cites research that shows most mid-level managers spend:

21 hours a week in meetings with 4+ people
11 hours on email and other communication
Leaving less than 15 hours a week for deep, focused work

When you subtract breaks, inefficiencies and distractions, the real time left for meaningful work is often less than 7 hours.

For leaders: Audit your team’s workload. Ask: What meetings, reports, or routines no longer serve us? Involve your team in the review—and then actually implement the best ideas.

For individuals: Look for small wins. What’s one thing you could stop doing or streamline this week? Make a pitch to your manager if you see a smarter path forward.

Because working smarter is how we achieve results and build teams we’re proud of—by making room for what counts, and letting go of what doesn’t. It’s not just about showing up and putting in the time. It’s about working with more focus and intention —so we can make our work matter. What’s one habit that helps you work with more intention? I’d love to hear—drop a comment and let’s learn from each other.

Meet The Author

Leah JM Dean is a bestselling author, speaker, coach, and trusted advisor to organizations and leaders across the globe. She is also Founder and CEO of Conduit International Ltd., a professional and personal development solutions company dedicated to helping organizations, leaders, and women work smarter, live well, and foster meaningful connections. A self-proclaimed recovering workaholic, Leah is passionate about helping her clients find strategies to optimize their work, invest in their wellbeing, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those they touch. Join our community to receive our monthly newsletter—full of practical tips, tools, and inspiration. Sign up at www.leahjmdean.com/join.