Leaders work most effectively when they use time as an ally rather than an enemy. Every minute has exactly sixty seconds, even though we perceive it differently. For example, if you're constantly rushing and feeling like you're fighting the clock or calendar, your driving belief may be "there’s never enough time." Altering that is easy, once you notice it, and catch yourself in the moment. If you're always in a rush, consider a more helpful belief, like "there’s plenty of time for what’s most important." You'll find yourself thinking about time more carefully, and using it more effectively. This simple change can upgrade how you lead--you will feel less stress, listen better, and guide your organization more wisely.
Self-coaching Questions:
- What is my default belief about time (e.g., Too much? Too little? Plenty? Running out?)
- How does my default notion of time drive my behavior?
- What is a more helpful belief about time, and what would it be like to try it out?
David Peck
Executive Coach and President
Leadership Unleashed
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Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book for more information.
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I know I can have the wrong attitudes towards the time that I have. Thanks for the post. I'll remember that there is always time to do the most important thing.
Posted by: Leadership Qualities | July 06, 2009 at 10:25 PM