Focus on These 3 Things When Prioritizing

If I asked you what you should be working on right now, how many things would you list off?

Probably a lot! And while I know you have a lot on your to-do list, I also know that prioritizing those tasks can be challenging for leaders.

When I surveyed a group of leaders about their biggest time management issue, 50% answered prioritization.

That means that half of the leaders in the group were not spending their time on the right things.

It’s like navigating a ship without a compass—you might be moving, but are you going in the right direction?

Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you are being productive.

So, I want to introduce you to a tool that you can use to ensure that you are balancing your priorities. Here are the 3 P’s:

People

Are you spending enough time with your team?

If you want a high performing team, you have to invest the time to develop these relationships. Many leaders cancel their coaching meetings or team meetings when other “priorities” arise. If this is something you do regularly, consider the consequences. What message are you sending your people? While it’s okay to reschedule these meetings when necessary, ensure that you are prioritizing this critical time to coach and develop your people. Loyalty and performance increase when people know you care about them and when you’ve taken the time to invest in their development.

Process

Do you have processes in place to help you focus on your priorities?

It is important to create systems that make your life easier. Think of these as your “set it and forget it” systems. For example, have a go-to agenda for your one-on-ones. Or, in January, put quarterly meetings in your team’s calendar to ensure that you are updating and reviewing your strategic objectives four times a year. These processes are not rocket science; they will help you focus on what’s most important in your role.

Profit

Are you adding value to your team or business?

Don’t just think dollar signs here. Profit is about adding value—to your business, your customers, and your team. How can you innovate? How can you make your customers’ lives easier? How can your team operate more efficiently to reduce costs and improve customer experience?

The goal here is to balance these three leadership priorities.

Are you spending all your time putting out fires and neglecting your team’s development? Or maybe you’re so focused on hitting those profit targets that you’ve forgotten to streamline your processes?

Take a moment. Really think about where you are spending your time.

Leadership is often a balancing act, but with practice and clarity, you’ll get there.

And trust me, when you get these 3 P’s running smoothly, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!