Is It a Priority?
August 12th, 2009 | 
Author: 
We live in a world where we get to choose – everyday, and in almost everything we do. Yet we often believe we don’t have a choice.
One of the most important choices we make – often unconsciously – is how we use our time. We allow ourselves to be pulled along by forces that (we think) are outside of our control.
At the moment that we say “I don’t have time for that”, we’ve made a choice to do something other than “that”. The choice we’ve made may be to spend our time doing something that has less impact than we intend. Becoming more intentional about how we choose to use our time can be powerful.
Developing relationships (with employees, peers, the boss, customers, clients) is an example of an activity that gets excused away by claiming that we don’t have time for it. It is one of the most powerful ways a leader can spend their time. Yet, we’ve made the choice to do something else by saying “I don’t have time”.
One question: is it a priority?
Most will say “yes”.
If developing relationships is a priority, then what will you give up? How will you give it up?
Poof. Time is now available. Spend it creating, developing and sustaining the relationships that will help you to be the best leader you can.
Posted in relationships
5 Responses to “Is It a Priority?”
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This is so true, Mary Jo. Oftentimes our actions don't line up with our stated priorities. If that's the case, we are showing what our true priorities are.
Relationship building, online or in person, takes time, but it is time well spent. For me, one important lesson, though, is to keep the two in balance. I don't want to ignore the people in my home or neighborhood because I am spending too much time with my online relationships. Anyone else struggle with that?
So true, Mary Jo. For me, this is similar to "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" Relationship building has the same concept. If we don't take time to build the relationship now, how in the world will we build rapport, trust, and likability on a moment's notice?
We need to think big picture and realize that regular connection with others adds up to big returns–personaly and professionally.
Becky – its all about priority (often based on our personal values). Some of the best advice I got years ago from a very smart lady(as I was juggling a high profile career with lots of travel, two young children, a husband): "You will never say 'I wish I would have spent more time at work', but you may regret not spending more time with your family."
Pam – A great discussion with a client of mine illustrates your comment: We were talking about what leadership is/means. I said, "I think it's all about relationships". He pulled out his Blackberry and looked at his schedule. He made the profound comment that ALL of his meetings in the next couple of weeks were really about relationship building. He is a VERY effective leader.
Leadership w/o relationship building is not leadership. It is "commandship". A strong connection between leader & followers removes the need to push & pull. With no tug-of-war, you soar. Loved your post Mary Jo.
Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach
Kate, thanks for stopping by. Loved your "no need to push and pull" statement. Keep doing great work!