The value of time
In our full-on world of work one of the most valuable assets is time. Some of us may feel there’s never enough to achieve what needs to be done. Others seem to have a superpower to manufacture time or at least expand it so they get everything done.
Of course, those with the manufacturing gift have other, complementary gifts – exceptional prioritisation skills, an ability to delegate effectively, and a fundamental mind-set of abundance.
Under pressure to deliver we can fail to really give the time needed to prioritisation, yet this pause for consideration saves time in the long run as we identify what really needs our attention, what adds most value to our organisation and what’s the most effective approach.
When it comes to delegation this is about ensuring the right work is given to those best-suited and in the right way, offering a balance of challenge (some opportunity to develop) with our support. Inevitably, good delegation asks that we take time to get it right. If we do so the work gets done well and, over time, people’s capability and capacity increase.
As leaders we must create time for our most valuable investment of it… in those we lead. Listening to them intently and with empathy, being open to their concerns and ideas for improvement, taking time to understand what matters to and motivates them are the most important use of our time. Each moment spent in full attention lets other know the value we place on them, building the trust and connection that empower greater performance.
Perhaps most important though is our mind-set around time. Focusing on abundance rather than scarcity takes the pressure off as we approach the work with a belief that there is and will always be enough time to do what really matters.