As leaders there is so much clamoring for our attention. Nothing new there. The real question is “how are you managing the demands of all that is vying for your attention?”
I read a story recently about two sisters who lived together and had a guest visit them at their home. One of sisters immediately became busy with the business of caring for and entertaining the guest. The other sister simply sat down and began to visit with the guest. The first sister was put out with the second, demanding that she help. In doing so, the guest asked the first sister, “why are you worried about all that?” The guest went on to comment how much they appreciated just being able to visit.
As I read through this I thought about our roles as leaders. There are so many plates spinning, so much to attend to, so much that MUST GET DONE!
Is there really? The demands and expectations that impose themselves, that seem to be screaming at us, they can be deafening.
Realizing this, I began to wonder about myself, do I take the time to think and evaluate what it is that I am ALLOWING hold my attention, to drive my decision-making?
Being a leader is demanding. It seems fair to say though, too many leaders (this one included – ME) focus too much of their energy on the demands and expectations and not nearly enough on what it is that is TRULY IMPORTANT.
Borrowing from Charles Hummel’s famous title, The Tyranny of the Urgent[i] is what happens for most. As leaders, we become so focused on all that is present, that is now, and we become DISTRACTED from what it is that is important.
Professionally, in addition to owning a restaurant, I am certified by the International Coaching Federation (Home – International Coaching Federation) as a coach. One of the hallmarks of a really good coach is their ability to be present in the conversation, to listen well, and to ask meaningful questions – to NOT be distracted. As leaders, we all need to do a much better job with ourselves in these areas.
When the demands seem to be seriously imposing, when you risk being distracted by whatever it is that tries to compel you, may I offer some suggestions?
- STOP, even if just for a moment.
- ASK yourself, what is the real issue at play?
- WAIT, give yourself some time to consider the question.
Am I suggesting we should never get overwhelmed by all the demands – IF ONLY!!!
No, what I do want to do is provoke you to think about what it is that you are ALLOWING to distract you. As you do, consider HOW you are going to proceed in those times. Your effort to do so will impact how you lead.
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[i] Hummel, C. 1994. The Tyranny of the Urgent. IVP Books. Downers Grove, IL.