“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
— Stephen Covey, author, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
In today’s business world, we rely on calendars to organize hectic days into 30-minute increments of meetings, phone conversations and email exchanges. As our careers advance, our networks grow, our calendars fill and we are left wondering how to fit it all into a 24-hour day.
The answer is simple: you don’t.
Stay true to your organizational mission…
As the head of an organization, you are its face, the one in charge, the final say and the ultimate problem solver. I am approached on a regular basis to provide personal and professional guidance as well as support various initiatives, numerous worthy causes that are undoubtedly designed to do a tremendous amount of good for our community.
This contagious passion to do good drives our natural instinct to abide when asked for help, and in an ideal world, we could say yes to everyone who asked us to support their mission. But where does that leave us? What if your own team doesn’t have what it needs to contribute to the greater good?
Finding a solution to these issues is not easy. While we personally want to say yes, our business models say no. As leaders, we have to get comfortable doing the same. Filter each request with a simple question, “Will what is being asked of us further our goals?”
In a world full of yes, the word no will feel foreign. By providing a simple explanation of your rationale and its connection to your organization’s goals, you are not only educating others about what keeps you whole, but staying true to your mission, as well. It’s not a value judgment, but rather a strategic decision that keeps maintained focus on the important role that the organization serves in the civic landscape.
…and your personal mission
Technology keeps us on track and informed. Inevitably, it also makes us more accessible. Adding on work-related evening and weekend activities quickly extends our days beyond the 8 to 5 timeframe, cutting into important time spent with family, friends or other things that keep you whole.
While mission statements are common tools in an office setting, establishing one to prioritize your time away — and with whom — can be just as effective. Identify what matters most to you personally — spouse, children, hobbies, fitness — and manage your schedule using those as the filters.
Limit the number of engagements you attend per week. Consider whether those events are “nice-to-do’s” or “should-do’s” and, ultimately, if they are worth time away from your family. Be confident supporting your personal mission and unapologetic for prioritizing that which fulfills it.
This community is in the midst of unprecedented times and maintaining momentum makes it incredibly easy to overcommit. Challenge yourself to use your priorities — not your calendar — to guide how you spend your time and energy. ●
David Gilbert is president and CEO at Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
