Get some sleep

Over the weekend I visited some close friends who have just welcomed a new baby into their lives.

There were lots of balloons and cards and congratulations from others, but I felt it was my duty to offer them my deepest sympathies – for the loss of sleep they were about to endure.

Whether you’re losing sleep because of a new baby, a succession of big nights out or some other problem or issue, I feel for you.

Anything that cuts into your precious sleep time will cut down your productivity – there is just no way around it.

I learnt this the hard way. A few years ago I was involved in a big deal where we were buying another company.

We had a series of all-night meetings as negotiations got down to the nitty-gritty and I could feel my concentration and attention levels plummeting.

Nevertheless, we pushed on and did the deal, signing the papers at 3am one Thursday morning.

Needless to say, the deal was a stinker – in the end we overpaid and missed a few critical details that came back to bite us.

We often have a tendency to celebrate those warriors who spend the night working or worrying or rushing off to catch an early/late flight, but we should in fact be celebrating those team members who turn up bright-eyed and well rested.

So don’t encourage a culture of low sleep in your business.

And if you do lose sleep over something like a baby – which is unavoidable and, let’s face it, a wonderful part of parenting – then make sure you adjust the rhythm of your day and work out when you’re most productive.

Get it done – today!