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It’s easy to get bogged down with the urgent things in life, the things that are screaming for our attention. Although many of those urgent things in life are important many of them are not, they’re just immediate. If I’m not careful I will sometimes neglect the important for the urgent because I don’t take the time to distinguish between the two. Don’t get me wrong the urgent things have to be done, but not at the expense of the important. Here are some practical things that help me to make sure that the important things are getting done.

1. Know my priorities.
Sounds simple, but before I can focus on what is important I must know what’s important. What’s important to God, my family, my job, or to making progress in a particular area?

2. Block out time.
While urgent things demand my time I have to make time for what’s important. I put the important things on my calendar and make sure they get my attention.

3. Just say no.
Because something is demanding my attention doesn’t necessarily mean it requires my attention. I ask myself, “Does this really need my involvement or can I have someone else give this the needed attention it requires?”

What are some ways that you make sure the important things are getting attention?

I came across this article online via @CatalystLeader and it had some real practical tips on managing your time. Below is the bullet point version, but I encourage you to check out the full article here. It will be worth you “time” (pun intended).

1. Evaluate your time.
2. Set daily goals. 
3. Design your own to-do list. 
4. Group similar tasks.
5. Break down daunting tasks. 
6. Make meetings matter.
7. Take breaks. 
8. Allow for unexpected interruptions.

Clocks from Diamantini & Domeniconi.

The following is an excerpt from my Pastor’s blog:

“One of the mistakes many leaders make is they let go of knowing the details too soon. When you are dealing with a developing leader, you need to let them prove themselves first by getting some wins before you totally turn them loose. As you develop leaders, you have to have the wisdom to know when you can let go of knowing details. If you let go of knowing too soon with a developing leader, you will be blindsided, and you’re not doing your job well because things are always falling through the cracks. This kills so many leaders because they don’t develop people, they just hand out assignments and think a developing leader will produce results.”

On Thursday I will have the conclusion of this post.

To view the original post in its entirety click here to visit herbertcooper.com.

The following is a list of items that I gave my assistant when she first started working with me. These are few things that I have found helpful in keeping our department running efficiently during our day to day operations.

1. Be solution minded. With every problem give 3 or 4 possible solutions. With every question submit multiple choice answers.

2. Use proper lines of communication. No drive-by meetings. Schedule a time to talk or send me questions using the multiple choice format. When you call someone ask, “Is this a good time to talk”.

3. Communicate clearly and directly. Be tactful, direct, and to the point. Stay on point.

4. Lead through volunteers. Do the 20% that only you can do. Delegate effectively - this includes follow up.

5. Keep workspace and facilities clean and clutter free. Includes hallways and open areas. Organize desk before leaving at the end of the day.

6. Be considerate of other departments. We are not in competition with other departments. Be a team player. Ask permission before using equipment, volunteers, facilities, etc.

7. Give feedback in private. Never correct a volunteer or co-worker in front of someone else. The right thing at the wrong time will produce unwanted results.

8. Under promise and over deliver. Do not promise performance unless you can deliver.

9. Apply the “no surprise rule”. Keep me in the loop; let me know what you are doing

10. Be a good steward. Find the best price and manage resources well (volunteers, money, supplies, etc.).

11. Never miss a deadline. If it looks like you are going to be late, negotiate and change the deadline. If you can not change it, get help.

12. Do not assume. Do not guess or assume if you do not know something.