A Manager's Twist on Spring Cleaning
Let’s be real: we all love the idea of spring cleaning... in theory. I see you, Marie Kondo.
It’s that season when we imagine a clean desk, an organized junk drawer, and a Home Edit-worthy closet.
But if you’re like most managers I know, spring has sprung and the idea of cleaning or clearing hasn't even crossed your mind. No worries, we'll get into the "how" below.
Most people think of their physical space when it comes to Spring cleaning. And, yes, that's important. Maybe you've heard the saying, "Mess is stress." But beyond the desk around you, let's consider mental space and leadership habits.
PHYSICAL SPRING CLEANING
Start here, because I truly believe outer order does help create inner calm.
Clear your workspace of things that don’t serve you. Yes, that includes the stack of training manuals from 2019 and the 22 post-its with scribbles on them.
Organize your computer. If your desktop is chock-full of files , start there. Archive old docs, rename folders, and let "trash it or take care of it" be your new mantra.
Add one joyful thing (this is my favorite!). A new pen you love, a small plant, a photo that makes you smile. You’re at this desk a lot—make it feel homey.
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Bonus effect on others: If you work in the office, a cleaner desk subtly signals to your team that you’re organized and on top of things.
MENTAL SPRING CLEANING
Sometimes we have scripts that we carry around like old luggage. They can be about how equipped you feel you are/aren't, or about someone on your team, or your boss.
"I have to do it myself or it won’t get done right."
"There’s no time to explain this to them right now."
"If I give them this feedback, they'll get mad at me."
These are not facts, they are stories. And it's a great time to rewrite them.
Try this:
Write down your top 2-3 recurring thoughts or beliefs. Now ask:
Is this helping me lead/live well? Or is it keeping me stuck?
If it's the latter, take some time to consider why and work to sweep it out.
And yes, this also includes tossing the guilt about saying no, leaving for an appointment, or asking for help. That’s not being irresponsible, that’s being sustainable.
LEADERSHIP SPRING CLEANING
Finally, there may be a few more rocks you can look under to find things to clear out.
Try a few reflection questions:
Am I doing tasks that keep me at my pay grade, or am I taking on anything and everything that comes my way?
What meetings am I doing out of habit, not necessity?
Where am I avoiding discomfort (like hard conversations) that is creating other messes for me or the team?
What am I doing that someone else on my team is ready to take over?
Here’s one practical tip:
Pick one meeting this week to cancel, combine, or clarify. Your calendar (and brain) will thank you.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS
Spring isn’t just about blooming. It’s also about pruning.
Trim what’s dead or no longer serving you. Create space to think, lead, and breathe. We all need white space to do our best work, it's just sometimes our garden gets a little overgrown.
About The Author
For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership.
Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.
