Unlike money or aptitude, time is the one commodity that every person on earth has the exact same amount of each day. Most expend an amazing amount of effort trying to expand this non-renewable resource. Multi-tasking, out-sourcing to another (a.k.a. using a secretary), and back-to-back scheduling are undertaken to cram as much as possible into a 24-hour period. The belief being that if we can somehow manage our time effectively, we can get it all done.
But is this true? When was the last time you felt that you had adequate time to get it all done? My guess is that if you are operating on a full schedule between family, profession, and volunteer work, you never feel like you get everything done that can be done. For those in that position, time management doesn’t work. What is needed is time leadership.
Leadership Versus Management
The leadership versus management distinction found in organizational dynamics shows-up as well in how we approach our relationship with time. When managing time, you’re controlling a finite element, small-slicing it to get as many things accomplished as possible between sunrise and sunset. Your feeling of self-worth and accomplishment comes from accomplishing all, or at least a large majority, of the items in the schedule and on the task list. Accomplished successfully, you feel good about yourself and that you have control over your time and work. However, enter any unplanned interruption – a sick kid, unforeseen business opportunity, a crisis phone call – and your well-planned day can fall apart. Unless, that is, you’re leading your time. [Read more…] about Time Leadership
