Imagine waking up each morning with absolute clarity—knowing exactly what deserves your time and energy. No frantic juggling, no nagging feeling that you’re neglecting something important. Just purposeful, focused action. This is the power of essentialism. I’ve been thinking about it having recently read Greg McKeown’s book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. But getting there requires more than wishful thinking—it takes thoughtful work, intentional reflection, and the discipline to eliminate distractions. Consider the following quote often attributed to Jim Collins:
“If you have more than 3 priorities, you don't have any.”
If you're responsible for finding, buying, or implementing leadership training, especially for new or first-time leaders, you likely understand the challenge of competing priorities. The leaders you train are often overwhelmed—not because they aren’t working hard, but because they are spread too thin. Prioritization isn't just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking their full potential by helping them focus on what truly moves the needle.
Clarity isn’t something that simply arrives one morning with your first cup of coffee. It’s the result of deliberate effort—making space to think, zooming out to see the big picture, and stepping away from the daily noise long enough to recognize what really matters. Consider incorporating these practices into your leadership training:
Greg McKeown emphasizes discernment as the heart of essentialism.
I’ve often fallen into a lack of discernment myself—like someone proudly mowing his lawn while his house burns down. He feels productive, sure, but maybe he’s missing something important. Effective prioritization is crucial work—especially for those tasked with developing new leaders and ensuring their success.
I recommend offering new leaders these well-known prioritization methodologies, not all at once, but as options worthy of consideration:
Essentialism isn't a one-time activity but an ongoing practice. Priorities shift as organizational goals evolve and new leadership challenges emerge. It can be tough to let go of tasks or projects that have consumed significant time and resources, but true leadership development demands boldness in continually realigning priorities. Productivity isn't about checking boxes; it's about empowering your teams toward their most meaningful goals.
Effective prioritization isn’t about cramming schedules full—it’s about strategic balance:
Effective prioritization isn't squeezing more water from the stone; it’s about choosing the right stone to squeeze. By embracing essentialism, you'll not only reclaim your own productivity—you'll energize and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Consider evaluating your current training programs through the lens of essentialism. Are you providing tools to help leaders, particularly new leaders, identify the tasks that matter most to your organization's future? If you're ready to help new leaders thrive by mastering the art of prioritization, let's talk about how we can support your training initiatives. The Leadership Progress Cycle uses hands-on activities to help participants identify the metrics that matter most and then prioritize their work to create real momentum.