Distractions, or what we like to call Mind Squirrels, are a part of our everyday life.

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Distractions can sometimes be a great thing, they can help us cope if we are feeling stressed and even help us to reset our emotions if we are very upset.

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What are a few positive distractions that come to your mind?

• Family

• Friends

• Planning an Upcoming Vacation

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All of these can be incredibly positive distractions, but they can also negatively affect our ability to be productive at work and our ability to be an effective leader. 

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How so?.... It all depends on context.

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Thinking about a great trip you are planning can be a really positive distraction if you are starting to feel more down and hopeless. But it can be negative if you are providing guidance to a colleague regarding their performance and can't focus on the conversation.

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Where distractions come up for us matters. 

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Now take some time and think of a few distractions that you have come up for you recently while you were at work or in a leadership role. 

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These distractions may range from really positive memories to negative thoughts (Mind Slants) that may make us feel significantly worse. 

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Distractions at work can cause a variety of problems including:

• Loss of productivity

• Not meeting project deadlines

• Lower quality of work

• Not fully listening to important information from colleagues

• Missing cues team members are providing that could aid in you being a better leader