There are countless distractions, threats, and roadblocks to getting work done. Good bosses take pride in shielding their people from these annoyances. Here are three ways you can help your employees focus on what matters:

1. Show up on time. One of the biggest detractors from work is wasted time. This might be time your people spend waiting for you to show up to meetings or to give needed direction. Being important doesn't give you permission to impede productivity.

2. Stop the intrusions. Set aside time when your employees can think and work, and not be expected to respond right away to voicemail and email.

3. Let them have good fights. Don't avoid conflict. Make your people feel safe enough to speak their minds, even to you, so they have productive and creative disagreements.