TIME

One of the most annoying elements of being with my mother in my youth was following her around to her appointments. My mother was a teacher who developed herself and became a professor at the university. My whole life I watched my mom study. She did her masters and her PhD and raised me in the libraries. They were very cold.

In between the teeth chattering chilly space filled with books, tables, and chairs, she meets with folks…and she is always 30-minutes early. I hated it! Books were better companions. People are ALWAYS LATE!

I often asked her, why come earlier than the agreed time when we know they will always be 30-minutes to an hour late? If we promise 8AM, we will arrive at 7:30AM and the others would apologetically grin their way to the meeting as “early” as 8:45AM. Usually, the last person would arrive around 10AM. It’s ridiculous how my mom would tolerate such behaviours. So, I would throw tantrums for being dragged to meetings with folks who cannot tell time and are often unapologetic though they say sorry with a silly grin.

Here is what my mom would teach me, which is becoming harder and harder to uphold with more and more people delaying appointments that often create a domino effect of lateness. She told me that it’s good habit to be early and not let others wait on us. Them late, is not our problem. Us late, is our problem. Or…something like that. The essence that I got was literally — Jangan Buat Orang (Don’t treat others poorly).

I used to remember what she said, and now with age, I only remember the essence because until today, she’ll harass (for the lack of a better word) the entire family to be 30-minutes early…even for a doctor’s appointment. She’ll drive everybody crazy but her integrity with time stays intact. Today, I sent her to the government hospital, famed for having their clock wind in a different dimension to ours, and she was super-duper early.

Today, this timeliness is lacking in every space…especially for those who walks the red carpet…and I won’t sugar coat. My time is equally precious, so, if you’re reading and occasionally life gets in the way and you get late, I forgive you. Some have forgiven me too. But if you are ALWAYS LATE…here’s a good list of what time management is a crucial aspect of effective leadership.

1.        Prioritization: Time management enables leaders to prioritize tasks and responsibilities based on their importance and urgency. Leaders must identify and focus on high-value activities, rather than getting caught up in trivial or non-essential matters.

2.        Decision-making: Effective leaders are often faced with time-sensitive decisions. You must gather information, analyze options, and make sound judgments promptly. Time management skills allow leaders to allocate sufficient time for critical thinking, ensuring that decisions are well-considered and timely.

3.        Productivity and efficiency: Time management practices optimize productivity and efficiency. Leaders who manage your time effectively set realistic goals, allocate resources efficiently, and establish clear deadlines for yourself and your team. This results in improved overall performance and the ability to meet organizational objectives more efficiently.

4.        Strategic planning: Time is a fundamental component of strategic planning. Leaders need to allocate time for setting goals, defining strategies, and developing action plans. By effectively managing time, leaders can dedicate sufficient focus to strategic thinking and ensure that plans align with the long-term vision of the organization.

5.        Delegation and empowerment: Time management allows leaders to delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively. By properly assigning tasks to the right individuals and empowering them with clear expectations and authority, other leaders you groom can free up their own time for more strategic activities. Delegation also helps in developing the skills and capabilities of team members, fostering their growth and motivation.

6.        Adaptability and agility: Time management skills enable leaders to be more adaptable and agile in the face of change. They can allocate time for monitoring industry trends, assessing risks, and responding promptly to unforeseen circumstances. By staying proactive and managing their time effectively, leaders can navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively.

7.        Work-life harmony: Effective time management allows leaders to achieve a better work-life harmony. By prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and managing time efficiently, you can allocate time for personal well-being, family, and leisure activities. This balance is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health, which ultimately enhances leadership effectiveness.

What do you think? 

Clearly the list is not exhaustive. It’s reflective of context and the space you are functioning at any given time. I feel, Leaders who understand the importance of time and manage it effectively can make informed decisions, prioritize tasks, optimize productivity, and lead their teams more efficiently. By mastering time management, leaders can create a positive impact on both their own performance and the success of their organizations.

Here is me having the time of my life, managing leisure and work, relationship and growth at my recent Mastermind Retreat. Wanna know more about mastermind and leadership?