The real reason you only get work done after 5pm

"A calendar full of meetings isn't a badge of honor - it's a sign that something's gone wrong."

Congratulations, if this is you, you might have fallen for the biggest trap in management.

Feeling that "meetings" solve issues.

Here's what's really happening:

Your "meetings" are actually 3 different things mixed together-

Regular updates hijacked by urgent fires.

Crisis discussions diluted by routine check-ins.

Brainstorming sessions that devolve into venting.

Why do we accept this?

Because it feels responsible. Professional. Like what good managers should do.

But here's the reality:

When everything is a "meeting," nothing gets solved.

Your brainstorming lacks creativity because someone's in crisis mode.

Your crisis handling lacks focus because you're doing status updates.

Your team stops preparing because they never know what to expect.

The cruel plot twist?

This is why you're "starting your real work" at 5 PM.

Those 12-hour days aren't proving your dedication. They're exposing a broken system.

Here's what actually works:

1. Label sessions correctly:

Brainstorming, crisis handling, or regular update?

2. Set clear boundaries:

Different objectives need different energy

3. Protect each type:

Don't let urgent issues hijack creative sessions

Your calendar isn't just a schedule.

It's a statement about what kind of leader you want to be.

What if your next week started with this clarity?