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A TIME TO DECIDE
Decision-making is the most essential task a leader performs. Leaders make spontaneous
decisions everyday, and each decision is based on knowledge and experience. As every leader
knows, there is no magic formula to wise decision-making. Decision-making is an integral part of
problem solving. If there were no problem to solve, there would be no decision to make.
Decision-making follows the study of a particular problem and is followed by action to carry
out the decision.
When making decisions regarding time-management, it’s important to devote time towards the
long-term goal. Each decision must lead towards a more effective way of managing time.
THE POWER OF ‘NO’
NO—The most powerful word in time management. It’s vital to
effectively managing time. It may not be easy to say no, but the
truth is, the most important things are typically not urgent and
the urgent things are often not that important for long-term
success.
Your ability to say no is a very valuable component of
your time management skills. Saying no determines
how much of your time will be wasted on solving
someone else’s problems as opposed to accomplishing
your goals. This isn’t a selfish action—it’s a constant
awareness of the difference between helping people
and being used by people.
Some personalities will have a difficult time saying
‘
no’. Rather than considering it as being mean, think
of it as a commitment to your goals. It’s important to
have clear goals and commit to a plan where you can
be assertive in your time management and decision
-
making abilities. Assertiveness is a skill similar to
time-management—it can be learned if one commits to
it. Co-workers will develop greater respect for you when
clear boundaries are established. If you are on a path
towards accomplishing your goals, their respect for your
goals will increase.
To learn more about Route Two or for more information about
our training programs and events, please call
425.242.5039
or visit
RouteTwoResults.com
.
1
Covey, Stephen. First Things First. London: Simon & Schuster, 1999. Print.