'Making' Time
"It's not about having time. It's about making time." Anonymous
As a young Army officer I heard this phrase - "make time" from several superiors. Truthfully, it bothered me. I was extremely busy and they were asking me to carve out time I did not have or was not afforded. "Easy for them to say," I thought. They had staffs and assistants to share their work with. I and my team were very lean. Because of this disdain, I've always hesitated to use the phrase on others. Indeed there were some who considered everything to be a priority, who rattled this phrase off without care and context. As I matured though, I began to look at 'making' time in a different light. It was not about having time. None of us do.
Making time is a disciplined approach to what is important. It is informed and guided by priorities. It requires discipline by leaders to deliver priorities to their people and teams and to set the example. It begs explanation and example by leaders so that younger, more absorbed leaders understand its context. Its use ought to be more surgical than common place.
A mentor of mine and I were talking the other day and he used the phrase explaining an approach he took with a subordinate. He made time for her. He didn't have extra time on his hands, others were surprised he offered that much time to another, but he understood listening and coaching as a priority for him. He knew it to be more important than his other demands. He was setting the example. An old boss frequently used this phrase when referring to reading. Many (including me) would say (or think), "I don't have time to read..." He knew the importance of reading to leadership though. He knew it to be a priority.
What do you make time for? The answers lies in what is important to you, what you consider to be priorities. I've let this guide my use and dedication of time as a leader and it has helped me. It is not easy. The wildly crazy workplace of our times is relentless in what it demands of leaders. Newsflash - it's not changing. In fact, it has always been this way. You'll feel the tug of other pressing requirements always. But, if you have done your introspection, if you know what is important to you and have deliberately thought about what are higher priorities, you'll get it more right than wrong.
It's the last day of January. 2022 is well underway. What will you make time for this year?
Make it Personal! That's what I make time for!
Rob
Rob Campbell