Have you ever felt like you were in quicksand as a leader? I’ve never been in real quicksand, but I’ve seen it on TV and in the movies. It looks awful! As I understand the way it works, when you’re in it, your attempts to free yourself plunge you deeper into its grip… and ultimately you die.
Today’s question comes from a leader who dreams of accomplishing great things. But his current reality continues to get in the way. His question is: How can I keep from getting bogged down in the day-to-day of my business?
First, let me give you the bad news: You will probably have to work on this issue forever. The quicksand of busyness has its own gravitational pull.
Now, for the good news: with a decided heart and a disciplined approach to our work, we can win the battle over busyness – and avoid the leadership death that awaits its unsuspecting victims.
As I attempt to make a few recommendations that may help with this critical issue, I’m torn. There are countless tactics that can be helpful. Activities can include, establishing clear priorities, delegating effectively, managing your time strategically and more. However, rather than unpack these ideas, and others like them, let’s try to attack a potential root cause of the problem.
When I see leaders who would rather work in an organization than build one, I wonder if their dreams are big enough.
Just last week, I challenged a group of leaders to dream big. If you can accomplish your dreams while still investing the majority of your time in the weeds of the day-to-day, it must not be a very big dream.
Here are a few things that will happen if you dream big…
Your big dream should help you pull up and see the big picture.
Your big dream should also help you set your priorities.
Your dream, if compelling enough, will help you make hard decisions.
Your dream should be so big you have to enlist others – this is a huge step out of the quicksand as others begin to help you carry the load.
Your dream should motivate you so you can motivate others – passion is contagious!
Are you dreaming big enough? Your dream is your lifeline out of the quicksand of the day-to-day. You can do great things and you will if you set your mind to it. Leadership always begins with a picture of the future. Dream big![GLS_Shield]
What is your dream?
