Effectively Prioritizing

Leaders should set priorities. I say "should" because, all too often, leaders let the priorities and agendas of others side-track the organization.

We let the last minute panic of others (usually caused from their own lack of planning) pop up and steal our day. We get pushed down dead end trails running after errant stakeholders. We waste time reorienting ourselves after our attention is distracted for non-strategic matters.

Leaders should set priorities. Think of the "setting" as in setting something in concrete. Assuming that priorities are seated firmly within the strategy of the organization, priorities should not change without abundant discussion, contemplation and analysis. Running up against opposition does not warrant a changing of the strategy embedded priority. If priorities changed, then strategy should have changed as well.

Priorities, if properly chosen, are the stepping stone goals that will move you and your team toward accomplishing your purpose. Priorities serve as the guard rails for the organization to ensure coordination of effort and direction of movement.

An entity that does not respect and defend their priorities will create a culture that lacks accountability and efficiency. The culture becomes one of individuality and disconnection. Efforts are disjointed and lack focus. Multiple paths to no where are entrenched as "the way we do things around here" without priorities.

Priorities should be as sacred as mission to the leader. They are the boundaries in which you will succeed.