Interruptions are normal when you are a leader. It comes with the position. People will always be wanting a piece of your time. How you respond to them is your choice. This response will separate the mediocre leaders from the very good ones.
The best leaders I know handle interruptions by doing two simple but challenging things. First, they have a “why” to live for. As Christina Smith, Executive Director of Community Support Advocates, shared many years ago at a From Vision to Action Executive Roundtable: "Our sacrifices need to reflect our priorities." Having a why to live for comes from being very clear about your priorities.
Second, the best leaders I know have a sense of purpose, but understand that with it comes something else. As Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz wrote, "Purpose creates a destination.” These leaders know where they are going. This is not an abstract feeling. This is a clear sense of direction. With the above clarity about priorities, these leaders do not get distracted from what is most important, personally and professionally.
This week, answer these two questions:
What are my priorities, personally and professionally?
What is the destination I am moving toward?
Your answers will be very helpful during the coming weeks and months.
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