LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.

Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. You can update your choices at any time in your settings.

Agree & Join LinkedIn

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Top Content
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Leadership

Your team is swamped with daily tasks. How will you carve out time for strategic planning discussions?

When your team is overwhelmed with daily tasks, finding time for strategic planning can feel impossible. Here's how to carve out that vital time:

  • Schedule dedicated planning sessions: Block out regular times on the calendar for strategic discussions to ensure they happen.

  • Delegate routine tasks: Assign routine duties to capable team members, freeing up leaders for big-picture thinking.

  • Limit meeting durations: Keep meetings short and focused to maximize productivity without eating into too much of the day.

What strategies have worked for you in balancing daily tasks and planning? Share your thoughts.

Leadership Leadership

Leadership

+ Follow
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Leadership

Your team is swamped with daily tasks. How will you carve out time for strategic planning discussions?

When your team is overwhelmed with daily tasks, finding time for strategic planning can feel impossible. Here's how to carve out that vital time:

  • Schedule dedicated planning sessions: Block out regular times on the calendar for strategic discussions to ensure they happen.

  • Delegate routine tasks: Assign routine duties to capable team members, freeing up leaders for big-picture thinking.

  • Limit meeting durations: Keep meetings short and focused to maximize productivity without eating into too much of the day.

What strategies have worked for you in balancing daily tasks and planning? Share your thoughts.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
15 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Lokesh Kanwar

    Founder & Director at Orangestar Logistics | International Trade & Logistics Expert | Building a Brand in Global Supply Chain Solutions | 2.5 Million+ Impressions

    • Report contribution

    When the team is buried in daily tasks, it’s easy for strategic planning to take a backseat. But without strategy, even the busiest teams can lose direction. 🔑 Start by blocking out dedicated time for strategic discussions—no excuses. Schedule it like a client meeting, non-negotiable. 🔑 Delegate routine tasks smartly. Empower team members to take ownership, so you're not pulled into every detail. 🔑 Simplify. Streamline processes and automate where possible to free up time. 🔑 Make strategy a part of the daily grind. Incorporate short, focused discussions into team check-ins to keep strategic goals top of mind. Consistency is key—planning today ensures long-term growth tomorrow.

    Like
    34
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Shrutika Jadhav

    5k+ | SDE @ Flipkart, Security Engineering Team | IIT Kanpur MTECH'24 CSE/ CYS | Ex- Technology Project Program Manager

    • Report contribution

    Balancing daily tasks with strategic planning requires intentional effort. Scheduling dedicated planning sessions is crucial—blocking time on the calendar ensures that strategic discussions aren't sidelined by day-to-day demands. Delegating routine tasks is another effective strategy; empowering team members to handle these duties allows leaders to focus on bigger-picture goals. To avoid meeting overload, keep meetings short and focused. This prevents them from consuming too much of the day, leaving more time for high-level planning. Creating this balance requires discipline but ensures that both daily tasks and long-term goals get the attention they need.

    Like
    11
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Namit Natu
    • Report contribution

    When the team is plummeting with daily tasks, the first step is to delegate responsibilities to free up time. Establish regular & non-negotiable time slots for important discussions, and abridge processes wherever possible. Leveraging tools can help streamline operations and improve efficacy. Prioritize tasks based on importance, and cheer up team members to plan their day effectively to stay focused.

    Like
    3
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    J Dipanwita Kali

    Head - Learning and Organization Development at Embitel Technologies, a Volkswagen Group Company

    • Report contribution

    Well, this does not happen suddenly or one fine day. You need to have a culture of balancing the short term with the long term; the tactical with the strategic. Every 1-O-1, every team meet should have time & discipline of covering the strategic planning elements. Your team sees more value in the team meetings and the 1-O-1s when the road ahead, the strategy is visible to them, They align better, contribute more, remain inspired and require less external motivation. And when you have such a setting, then missing strategic planning discussions in one meeting or two because of task overload does not hinder much.

    Like
    3
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Mubashir Rahman

    Military Leader | SCM | Cyber Security Enthusiast | C3SA | SOC | SCM | HRM |

    • Report contribution

    In a busy environment, it's crucial to be intentional with time. I ensure focused 30-minute meetings at set times to address key priorities. Specific timing prevents delays, and we streamline execution with regular follow-ups via text throughout the day. To stay aligned, I also reserve 20 minutes at the end of each day for strategic discussions, ensuring we’re proactive while managing daily tasks. Consistency in these practices keeps the team efficient and forward-looking.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Pushpendra Sisodiya

    Deputy Manager - Quest Global

    • Report contribution

    When your team is overwhelmed with daily tasks, finding time for strategic planning can feel impossible. Here's how to carve out that vital time: Schedule dedicated planning sessions, delegate routine tasks to capable team members, and limit meeting durations to keep them short and focused, maximizing productivity.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Deven Patel .

    CEO, President & Cofounder at Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy and Research (GIOSTAR)

    • Report contribution

    Breaking Free from Task Overload: 5 Strategies for Strategic Focus Is your team drowning in daily tasks? Reclaim strategic momentum with: Schedule Sanctuary: Protect dedicated blocks for planning. Priority Reboot: Distinguish urgent from important. Task Triage: Delegate, defer, or eliminate non-essentials. Focus Fridays: Reserve one day a week for forward thinking. Quarterly Reflections: Assess progress, adjust course. Don't let busy-ness hijack your business.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Sonu Dev Joshi

    Operations & Supply Chain Strategist | Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Execution | Business Advisor & YouTube Educator

    • Report contribution

    Rather than treating strategic planning as a separate, isolated task, weave it into your team’s day-to-day activities. During daily team meetings, introduce a "strategic question" related to current operations. For example, "How can this task drive efficiency or growth in the long term?" or "Is there a process we can refine today that will benefit future projects?" This encourages everyone to think beyond immediate tasks and connects daily work to strategic objectives.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Ayush Saxena

    top leadership voice'23, founder, LIGO researcher, inventor

    • Report contribution

    When your team is drowning in daily tasks, strategic planning can feel like an impossible luxury. But it’s a lifeline. Think of it as carving a pocket of calm in the chaos. Start small: dedicate just 30 minutes weekly to discuss high-level goals. Make it non-negotiable, like a meeting with your most important client—your future. Rotate who leads these discussions to keep it fresh and inclusive. Use these moments to reorient the ship, not just keep it afloat. Even in the busiest weeks, strategic reflection turns reactive work into proactive momentum.

    Like
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    David Glover, PsyD, MAIO, PMP

    Founder of I LIKE ME Youth Resiliency Program | Empowering underserved youth, fostering resilience, and transforming futures. Passionate about advocacy, leadership, and closing opportunity gaps for the next generation.

    • Report contribution

    Ah, daily tasks—the never-ending hamster wheel of work. But strategic planning? That’s where the magic happens! To carve out time, start by declaring a "strategic planning hour" like it’s an exclusive event: “Sorry, no emails or TPS reports during this sacred hour!” Bribe the team with coffee or snacks—because who can resist brainstorming over donuts? Get everyone on board by promising fewer future fires to put out if we plan now. And if anyone complains they’re too busy, just remind them: “We can either keep bailing water or, you know, fix the leak!”

    Like
View more answers
Leadership Leadership

Leadership

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Leadership

No more previous content
  • Your team member is struggling with underperformance. How can you inspire them to excel?

    193 contributions

  • Leading a high-pressure team, how do you safeguard your personal time without sacrificing accessibility?

    75 contributions

  • You're facing a skeptical client on a new strategy. How will you convince them of its benefits?

    110 contributions

  • You're leading a new team member unfamiliar with your style. How can you set expectations effectively?

    83 contributions

  • You're navigating a cross-functional team. How can you ensure your ideas hold influence?

    75 contributions

  • Your team is afraid to take risks. How can you empower them to step out of their comfort zone?

    159 contributions

  • You're faced with delegating sensitive tasks. How do you ensure confidentiality and trust within your team?

    73 contributions

  • Your team is facing organizational change with diverse perspectives. How can you foster collaboration?

    116 contributions

  • How would you handle resistance from team members towards your leadership approach in collaborative projects?

    62 contributions

  • You're facing conflicting personalities in your new team. How will you navigate the challenges of leadership?

    179 contributions

  • You're facing conflicting personalities in your new team. How will you navigate the challenges of leadership?

    150 contributions

  • How do you handle a situation where team members feel undervalued and unappreciated by leadership?

    53 contributions

  • How do you prioritize daily tasks while keeping the long-term strategic goals in mind as a leader?

    60 contributions

  • Your remote team member is hesitant to share ideas. How can you earn their trust and encourage collaboration?

    48 contributions

  • Your team seems stuck in a rut of routine thinking. How can you spark creativity and innovation?

    45 contributions

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • Personal Development
    Here's how you can navigate tactical and strategic decision making in a leadership role.
  • Executive Leadership
    How do you track and share progress of your leadership vision?
  • Decision-Making
    How can leaders effectively communicate their decision-making process?
  • Executive Leadership
    How do you balance your vision with stakeholders and employees?

Explore Other Skills

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Personal Branding
  • Leadership Development
  • Problem Solving
  • Thought Leadership
  • Research Skills
  • Life Coaching
  • Executive Coaching

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
1
15 Contributions