Now and When: How to silence today's squeaky wheels to plan for the future.
We've all felt it, that nagging feeling. You know the one. We should be working on a project or plan that better positions us for the future. Yet still, we get distracted by the many squeaky wheels drowning out our inner, more strategic voice. If I do what demands attention now, when will I ever get to the more strategic work?
The battle between Now and When hinders our ability to get things done both in the present and the future. Each week, someone shares with me their sincere interest in focusing on the bigger picture but just cannot make it happen. I get it. I struggle with it too.
It's hard to say no to a specific person in the real world in favor of helping many more in the abstract. Yet, that's exactly what leaders have to do.
As important as the day-to-day issues are, the big picture can be more important. Sometimes, that's a harsh reality to admit, especially when those squeaky wheels are directly tied to the help you provide real human beings who have needs right this minute. True as that is, the airlines got it right: it's crucial you put your own mask on before helping others.
So how do we make peace with it? How do we know when to give up the battle in order to win the war? Here are a few ideas.
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Your Work is Too Important to Have an Unclear Message
Well Said
“Good planning is important. I've also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you're in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you're depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.”
—Sir Edmund Hillary
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919–2008) was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. From 1985 to 1988 he served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh and concurrently as Ambassador to Nepal.
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