Years ago, I experienced working under a CEO who constantly had members come to him and try to get his immediate help with their emergency. This CEO would pull me aside and tell me I could not allow others’ lack of planning to become my emergency unless the building were on fire. He constantly told others, “Your emergency is not my priority.” At the time, I would think this phrase was a bit rude when dealing with others, but after years of leadership, I finally understood what he was saying. This leader could comb through the unimportant to remain on tasks that were vital to the organization he was running.
As life continues, so many will demand your attention where it is not needed. Your task is to remain laser-focused on what is important, those things critical to your business’s success. You cannot allow yourself to be side-tracked. There will always be those who do not plan, and their lack of planning cannot take your attention from more important things you are focusing on. Unless the “building is on fire,” continue moving forward, steering the ship in the direction it should go. Less important things can wait.
In the pursuit of organizational success, a strong foundation must be realized. Building a solid foundation is necessary to achieve the growth you’ve always wanted to accomplish in your organization. So many people want to lead their organizations to the next level, but when it comes down to it, you cannot build without it without spending time developing a healthy foundation. As in the “Three Little Pigs” story, your house must be strong.
Individuals seeking success for their organizations must establish a strong base of knowledge, skills, values, and powerful teams. This foundation is the bedrock upon which future accomplishments are built, providing stability, direction, and resilience in facing challenges. Without this firm footing, endeavors may crumble under pressure or falter without a clear vision. Embracing the process of constructing a proper foundation nurtures growth, cultivates expertise, and lays the groundwork for lasting success.
Do not worry about those who may become offended by your not addressing their needs immediately; things that are not that important should remain not a priority. Deal with the issues at hand and get to those issues when you have the time and the resources to properly deal with the minor.
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